University of Virginia Library

VIGIL strange I kept on the field one night,
When you, my son and my comrade, dropt at my side      that day,
One look I but gave, which your dear eyes return'd,      with a look I shall never forget;
One touch of your hand to mine, O boy, reach'd up as      you lay on the ground;
Then onward I sped in the battle, the even-contested      battle;
Till late in the night reliev'd, to the place at last again I      made my way;
Found you in death so cold, dear comrade — found your      body, son of responding kisses, (never again on      earth responding;)
Bared your face in the starlight — curious the scene —      cool blew the moderate night-wind;
Long there and then in vigil I stood, dimly around me      the battle-field spreading;
Vigil wondrous and vigil sweet, there in the fragrant      silent night;
But not a tear fell, not even a long-drawn sigh — Long,      long I gazed;
Then on the earth partially reclining, sat by your side,      leaning my chin in my hands;
Passing sweet hours, immortal and mystic hours with      you, dearest comrade — Not a tear, not a word;
Vigil of silence, love and death — vigil for you, my son      and my soldier,
As onward silently stars aloft, eastward new ones up-     ward stole;
Vigil final for you, brave boy, (I could not save you,      swift was your death,
I faithfully loved you and cared for you living — I think      we shall surely meet again;)
Till at latest lingering of the night, indeed just as the      dawn appear'd,
My comrade I wrapt in his blanket, envelop'd well his      form,
Folded the blanket well, tucking it carefully over head,      and carefully under feet;
And there and then, and bathed by the rising sun, my      son in his grave, in his rude-dug grave I de-     posited;
Ending my vigil strange with that — vigil of night and      battle-field dim;
Vigil for boy of responding kisses, (never again on earth      responding;)
Vigil for comrade swiftly slain — vigil I never forget,      how as day brighten'd,
I rose from the chill ground, and folded my soldier well      in his blanket,
And buried him where he fell.