Unknown [envelope to Lydia A. Bishoff}
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03523.40.37 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: Martinsburg, Virginia Type: Envelope Date: 1861-1877 Pagination: 1 envelope ; 8 x 13.8 cm. Order a Copy
Envelope from Martinsburg, VA, with the poem, "On Guard" printed on the front, addressed to Miss Lydia A. Bishoff, German settlement, Preston Co., VA.
[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
ON GUARD
At midnight on my lonely beat,
When shadow wraps the wood and lea
A vision seems my view to greet,
Of one at home that prays for me.
No roses blow upon her cheek-
Her form is not a lover's dream-
But on her face so fair and meek,
A host of holier beauties gleam.
For softly shines her silver hair,
A patient smile is on her face.
And the mild lustrous light of prayer
Around her sheds a moonlight grace.
She prays for one that's far away-
The soldier in his holy fight-
And begs that Heaven in mercy may!
Protect her boy and bless the Right.
Till, though the leagues lie far between
This silence incense of her heart
Steals o'er my soul with breath serene,
And we no longer are apart.
So guarding thus my lonely beat,
By shadowy wood and haunted lea,
That vision seems my view to greet
Or her at home who prays for me.
Miss Lydia A. Bishop
German settlement
Preston County,
State of Virginia
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