PRESENCE

When she had left us but a little while,

I still could hear the ringing of her voice,

Still see athwart the dusk her shy half-smile

And that sweet trust wherein I most rejoice.

Then in her self-same tones I heard, “Go thou,

Set to that work appointed thee to do,

Remembering I am with thee here and now,

Watchful as ever. See, my eyes shine true!”

I lookt, and saw the concourse of clear stars,

Steadfast, of limpid candour, and could discover

Her soul look on me thro’ the prison-bars

Which slunk like sin from such an honest Lover:

And thro’ the vigil-pauses of that night

She beam'd on me; and my soul felt her light.