In a strange, low whisper, to the dead,

“God knows, love, I did it for the best!”

And he wept—O yes, I will be just—

When I brought the children to him there,

Wondering sorrow in their baby eyes;

And he sooth’d them with his fond replies

Bidding me give double love and care.

Ah, I loved them well for her dear sake:

Little Arthur, with his serious air;

May, with all her mother’s pretty ways,