HER LATE HUSBAND

“No — not where I shall make my own;

But dig his grave just by

The woman's with the initialed stone -

As near as he can lie -

After whose death he seemed to ail,

Though none considered why.

“And when I also claim a nook,

And your feet tread me in,

Bestow me, under my old name,

Among my kith and kin,

That strangers gazing may not dream

I did a husband win.”

“Widow, your wish shall be obeyed;

Though, thought I, certainly

You'd lay him where your folk are laid,

And your grave, too, will be,

As custom hath it; you to right,

And on the left hand he.”

“Aye, sexton; such the Hintock rule,

And none has said it nay;

But now it haps a native here

Eschews that ancient way...

And it may be, some Christmas night,

When angels walk, they'll say:

“‘ O strange interment! Civilized lands

Afford few types thereof;

Here is a man who takes his rest

Beside his very Love,

Beside the one who was his wife

In our sight up above!’”