Page:Poems for the Sea.djvu/51

With dews of knowledge; for the love of books
And the pure faith of Christ, refined her soul.

Thus, well-employ'd, tho' with a tardy flight
Revolv'd the months and years,—while anxious care
For the long absent husband, gave a cast
Of pensive beauty to her youthful brow.
At length, the blessed telegraph announc'd
His laden ship,—and soon her weary days
Of widowhood, were ended.
                              But the voice
That to her ear like richest music seem'd,
Announc'd sad tidings. He must tempt again
The treacherous deep.
                              "Ah, not again! No! No!
Think of your promise, never more to roam!
The humblest cot, where I might work for you,
And hear your voice, and be your comforter,
Is all my heart's ambition."
                              "Laura, love,
Fain would I place you in a loftier home,
Such as your merits claim.