Fourscore.Shrunken whose features are, Why dost thou weep? Sad art thou, weary one, Nearing the set of sun, That thy work nobly done, Ends with a sleep! Cheer these; thy hands are worn, Bleeding thy feet and torn;___ Wouldst thou not rest? On yonder Silent Shore Soundeth no battle-roar; There shall fierce storms no more Beat on thy breast. Struggle and toil and care, Sure thou hast borne thy share; Strength is but let. Young limbs are strong and free, Young shoulders take from time Loads that weigh heavily:___ Be thou content. Under cool grasses sweet, Creeping at head and feet, Thus shalt thou sleep. Under the autumn glow, Under the winter snow, Never a pang to know___ Why dost thou weep? After the peaceful night Cometh the fadeless light___ (Hope of the just). After the sword and shield, Palms shall the victor wield. Count it, then, gain to yield Dust unto dust. __Ellen P. Allerton. |
Walls of Corn and Other Poems
Ellen P. Allerton
(Hiawatha, KS: Harrington Printing Company. 1894)
Pages 152-153
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