F. O. C. Darley,
War Pictures
(1866)
“ A tremulous sigh as the gentle night-wind Through the forest leaves softly is creeping; While the stars up above, with their glittering eyes, Keep guard—for the army while sleeping. There's only the sound of the lone sentry's tread, As he tramps from the rock to the fountain, And thinks of the two on the low trundle-bed, Far away in the cot on the mountain. His musket falls slack—his face, dark and grim, Grows gentle with memories tender, As he mutters a prayer for the children asleep,— and their mother,—may Heaven defend her! ”
