“Musing deeply on her meaning, Turned I from the heavenly shore, And on love’s swift wings descending, Sought my earthly home once more. There my widowed, childless sister Sat with meek and quiet grace, With her heart’s great, wasting sorrow, Written on her pale, sweet face. “And she sang in dreamy murmurs, Bending o’er my Willie’s head, ‘Hush, my dear, lie still and slumber, Holy angels guard thy bed.’ Soft I whispered, ‘Dearest sister-- Darling Willie--I am here.’ Sweetly smiled the sleeping infant, And the singer dropped a tear. “Thenceforth was my soul united To that life more dear than mine; And I prayed for strength to guide me, From the source of Life Divine. Slowly did I see the meaning In life’s purposes concealed-- All the uses of temptation, Sin and sorrow, stood revealed. “Through my loved one’s youth and manhood, In the hour of sinful strife, I could see the nobler issues, And the grand design of life. I could see that he was guided By a mightier hand than mine, And a mother’s love was weakness, By the side of Love Divine. “Then I did not seek to shield him, Or his destiny control-- Life, with all its varied changes, Was the teacher of his soul. Nay, I did not strive to alter What I could not make nor mend, For the love so full of wisdom, Could be trusted to the end. “I could give him strength and courage, From the treasures of my love-- I could lead his aspirations To the holy heart above; I could warn him in temptation, That he might not blindly fall; I could wait with faith and patience For his triumph--that was all. “’Mid the rush and roar of battle, In the carnival of death, When the air grew hot and heavy, With the cannon’s fiery breath, First and foremost with the bravest, Who had heard their country’s call, With the stars and stripes above him, Did my darling Willie fall. “Onward--onward rushed his comrades, With a wild, defiant cry, As they charged upon the foeman, Leaving him alone to die. Faint he murmured, ‘O, my mother! Angel mother! art thou near?’ And he caught the whispered answer, ‘Darling Willie, I am here! “‘O, my loved one! my true-hearted! Soon your anguish will be o’er; Then, in heaven’s eternal sunshine, We shall dwell for evermore.’ Swiftly o’er his pallid features, Gleams of heavenly brightness passed, And my Willie’s noble spirit Met me face to face at last.