Poem by Ada Cambridge (Cross)

Awake

Calm as that moonbeam on the wall,
   Sleep broods on baby's eyes;
Arms, hush'd and still, but pulsing quick,
   Enfold him as he lies;
My brain is full of thronging thoughts,
   Strange passions thrill my breast,
My heart aches with a load of love
   That will not let me rest.

The dim years stand about my bed,
   They neither smile nor weep;
Like softest kisses, on my face
   The little fingers creep.
I hear slow footfalls, in the night
   Of fates upon his track,—
O love, I cannot let you go!
   I cannot keep you back!

Lord, let him shelter in my arms,
   Or take us both to Thine;
Or, if a troublous life must come,
   Make all the trouble mine:
Or let thy sharp swords pierce my heart
   To blunt them for the child,—
What care I, Lord, for stain and shame,
   So he keep undefiled!

Nay, Lord, I know not what I ask—
   I know not how to pray:
Hear Thou the crying mother-soul,
   And not the words I say.
Do Thou what seemeth good to Thee,
   So he be spared from sin;
And, oh! if love can aught avail,
   Let mine be counted in.

1. The Coo of the Cushat
2. Cui Bono
3. Lord Nevil's Advice
4. Recollection
5. The Last Battle of the Cid

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