Page:Poems for the Sea.djvu/53

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So uncongenial to her gentle soul
In California. But she only said,
"My husband will be there."
                                          Brief space was given
For parting words, and then the tossing deck
With slender foot she trod, resting unmoved
Upon her husband's arm, and her blue eye
Rais'd calmly to the skies.
                                          Tempest and blast
And mountain-billow marked their dreary change
On Ocean's face; yet mid their darkest wrath
'Twas beautiful to see how woman's love
O'ermastered fear, keeping the sunbeam bright
In the transparent heart, to light the brow
With cheering smiles.
                                          Once more upon the land,
Across the dreary wilds of Panama,
The place of skulls, they took their pilgrim way.
Strange hardships came upon them,—rugged men
Fell down and died. Yet still her course she held.
Her strength was in the heart.

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