Or quick-drawn breath a word should fall unheard

From Him, the wonderful, the Prince of Peace.

“Blessed”—the widow, shuddering, draws more close

Her sombre draperies, and bows her head

In agony of dumb and hopeless grief.

—“Are they that mourn!” A dry, half-stifled sob

Bursts from a gray-haired man; ’twas yesterday

They buried all most dear to him on earth,

And sun and stars were blotted out. Hot tears

Fall thickly on his knotted, sunburnt hands,