In Memoriam : Francis Archibald Douglas

Dear friend, dear brother, I have owed you this

Since many days, the tribute of a song.

Shall I cheat you who never did a wrong

To any man ? No, therefore though I miss

All art, all skill, in this short armistice

From my soul's war against the bitter throng

Of present woes, let these poor lines be strong

In love enough to bear a brother's kiss.

Dear saint, true knight, I cannot weep for you,

Nor if I could would I call back the breath

To your dear body ; God is very wise,

All that this year had in its womb He knew,

And, loving you, He sent His Son like Death,

To put His hand over your kind gray eyes.

Lord Francis Archibald Douglas,Viscount DrumlanrigHe was killed by the Accidental Explosion of his gun, in October 18, 1894