 | Poems by William D. Howells |  |
134
THE TWO WIVES.
(TO COLONEL J. G. M., IN MEMORY OF THE EVENT BEFORE ATLANTA.)
I.
The colonel rode by his picket-lineIn the pleasant morning sun,
That glanced from him far off to shine
On the crouching rebel picket's gun.
II.
From his command the captain strodeOut with a grave salute,
And talked with the colonel as he rode;—
The picket levelled his piece to shoot.
III.
The colonel rode and the captain walked,—The arm of the picket tired;
Their faces almost touched as they talked,
And, swerved from his aim, the picket fired.
IV.
The captain fell at the horse's feet,Wounded and hurt to death,
135
As God is good, with his dying breath.
V.
And the colonel that leaped from his horse and kneltTo close the eyes so dim,
A high remorse for God's mercy felt,
Knowing the shot was meant for him.
VI.
And he whispered, prayer-like, under his breath,The name of his own young wife:
For Love, that had made his friend's peace with Death,
Alone could make his with life.
| Poems by William D. Howells | |