Page:Livingstone in Africa.djvu/129

With questioning accent naming the great name.
Livingstone warmly grasps the proffer'd hand.
And after salutation courteous
To some around, these recent yet fast friends
Turn toward the claybuilt tembé; whose broad eaves
This afternoon shall shelter two glad men,
In place of one alone and desolate.
The traveller, slowly dying yesterday,
Now shares with relish in a plenteous meal,
Reiterating: "You have brought me life!"

Letters from loved ones, how long silent! soon
The pilgrim reads; and while soft evening wears,
They sit communing of how many things!
They speak of friends; of some whom fame well knows;
And one whom Livingstone may chance to name
Yet lives—another—he has pass'd away!
Then the explorer tells a wondrous tale
Of his exploits, adventures, and desires.
But on himself, emerged but yesterday
From forests of the dark barbarian,