Rudolphe Louis Nègroz
I have been exiled now for two long years,
Known many dangers, many pleasant places;
I have been near to Death just when he rears
With terrible intent, and gazed upon the faces
Of stricken comrades after his dread leap;
In eastern deserts I have worshipped beauty
Austerely still, where Death and Life to sleep,
And Home is a strange dream, and stranger "Duty";
Yet have your mother-hands reached out always
With some sweet draught for Mem'ry; your pitying
Softened the couch of hardships; darkest days
Your brightest words did light who knew the sting
Of this cruel war most cruelly deep at heart—
Your love to sing then, what an Angel's art!
Stern War has caused my life's frail barque to ride
Some perilous seas of Death, made me warm friends
With cold Privation, and like Dante's guide,
Down doleful, dayless ways where this life ends
And deeds, desires, are woven in hidden looms
That pattern human fate, me has he led
With hand relentless on my hand. 'Mid tombs
My dragging and his careless feet did tread,
Echoing fear about my heart, and then,
With his contempt content, my hand he freed
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