Adelaide Anne Procter (1825–1864)

IF in the fight my arm was strong,

And forced my foes to yield,

If conquering and unhurt I came

Back from the battle-field—

It is because thy prayers have been

My safeguard and my shield….

Thy heart, my own, still beats in Heaven

With the same love divine

That made thee stoop to such a soul,

So hard, so stern, as mine—

My eyes have learnt to weep, beloved,

Since last they looked on thine.

I hear thee murmur words of peace

Through the dim midnight air,

And a calm falls from the angel stars

And soothes my great despair—

The Heavens themselves look brighter, love,

Since thy sweet soul is there.