University of Virginia Library

Search this document 

collapse section 
collapse section 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
collapse section 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
collapse section 
collapse section 
 1. 
 2. 
 3. 
 4. 
collapse section 
 1. 
 2. 
 3. 
 4. 
 5. 
 6. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
The Dark Comrade.
  
  
  
collapse section 
 1. 
 2. 
 3. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
collapse section 
  
  
  
  
collapse section 
  
  
  
  
  
  
collapse section 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
collapse section 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
collapse section 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
collapse section 
  
  
  
  
  

The Dark Comrade.

Through days of enigma and sorrow
(From doubt and dejection unscreened),
Through vigils that dreaded the morrow
(Ah, never a star intervened!),
I walked with the friend of my bosom,
And that friend was a mournful fiend.

79

For years we were pilgrims united;
Oh, strange were those otherworld years!
We darkled like goblins affrighted,
We whispered of perils and tears;
Yes, terrible friend of my bosom,
Thou sharedst my anguish and fears.
Long since that companion departed;
I know not the wherefore nor when.
Henceforth I was humaner hearted,
And herded and labored with men;
Yet often, dark friend of my bosom,
I would change the Now for the Then.
Yea more! I would greet thee with gladness
And nevermore part from thy side;
Would follow thee, Shadow of madness,
Wherever thy moaning may guide;
Yea, follow thee, friend of my bosom,
Though seraphim beckon and chide.