He rides away with sword and spur, <br />Garbed in his warlike blazonry, <br />With gallant glance and smile for her <br />Upon the dim-lit balcony. <br />Her kiss upon his lips is warm, <br />Upon his breast he wears her rose, <br />From her fond arms to stress and storm <br />Of many a bannered field he goes. <br /> <br />He dreams of danger, glory, strife, <br />His voice is blithe, his hand is strong, <br />He rides perchance to death from life <br />And leaves his lady with a song; <br />But her blue-brimmed eyes are dim <br />With her deep anguish standing there, <br />Sending across the world with him <br />The dear, white guerdon of her prayer. <br /> <br />For her the lonely vigil waits <br />When ashen dawnlights come and go, <br />Each bringing through the future's gates <br />Its presages of fear and woe; <br />For her the watch with soul and heart <br />Grown sick with dread, as women may, <br />Yet keeping still her pain apart <br />From the wan duties of the day. <br /> <br />'Tis hers to walk when sunsets yield <br />Their painted splendors to the skies, <br />And dream on some far battlefield <br />Perchance alone, unwatched, he dies; <br />'Tis hers to kneel in patient prayer <br />When midnight stars keep sentinel, <br />Lest the chill death-dews damp the hair <br />Upon the brow she loves so well. <br /> <br />So stands she, white and sad and sweet, <br />Upon the latticed balcony, <br />From golden hair to slender feet <br />No lady is so fair as she; <br />He loves her true, he holds her dear, <br />But he must ride on dangerous quest, <br />With gallant glance and smile of cheer, <br />And her red rose upon his breast.<br /><br />Lucy Maud Montgomery<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-farewell-5/
