THE UNEXPECTED SUMMONS.

Dead in his chair. The sun’s expiring rays

With crimson glow lights up the rigid face,

And in the unclosed eyes that look afar

A blood-red sunbeam finds a resting place.

Dead! with the pen still clutched in pulseless hand,

“Dear wife,” sole words before his sightless gaze.

One nerveless arm hangs strangely by the chair,