Little he dreamed of this dreary Now,

Or that ever he should stand

With the pistol-muzzle at her brow,

The trigger in his hand!

They kissed—they clung in a last embrace,

They prayed a last deep prayer—

Then proudly she raised her tearful face,

And——a corse lay shuddering there!

He stooped, his love's soft eyes to close,

He smoothed the bright brown hair,