University of Virginia Library


183

A DEAD FRIEND.

This dead man, soon to seek oblivious earth,
Was loyally my friend, and loved me well.
For him no shadow of blame that could repel
His reverence, in my honored life had birth.
Like some famed knight, admired for brawn and girth
By the young warrior eager to excel,
Ideal in his fond heart I seemed to dwell,
The exemplar and high paragon of worth!
Now sternly, while I linger where he lies,
A burdening shame upon my bosom weighs ...
Perchance he watches me in calm surprise,
Far from the turmoil of terrestrial days,—
Perchance he looks my soul through, with the gaze
Of supernatural and clairvoyant eyes!