TO MY ABSENT BROTHER

Dwells there a shadow on thy brow —

A look that years impart?

Does there a thought of vanished hours

Come ever o'er thy heart?

Or give those earnest eyes yet back

An image of the soul,

Mirrored in truth, in light and joy,

Above the world's control?

So may their gaze be ever fraught

With utterance deep and strong,

Yielding a holy strength to right,

A stern rebuke to wrong!

Thy soul, upborne on wisdom's wings,

In brighter morn will find

Life hath a higher recompense

Than just to please mankind.

Supreme and omnipresent God,

Guide him in wisdom's way!

Give peaceful triumph to the truth,

Bid error melt away!