The Breath Of Arbutus

TVhat is it In the summor air tonight That brings medreamsof deardays long ago And memories of hearts that have for years Been colder than the Alps' eternalsnow? i The dewy violet of heav'nly blue, The faint breath of artmtus on the air, Bring sadly back those dear dead days And one who told me I was fair. "We stood amid the flowers, dewy, sweet, My hero in bis coat of loyal blue. Be kissed my tearsaway andsaid: "Farewel] My country needs me, dear, more than d you. " There carne a day. The sun refused to shine High heaven tried to wash away the stain. ÏTight spread her mantle gently o'er the field- The south wind moaned a requiem for th slain. Back in a corner of the garret dark There stands an oaken chest, and buried deep Within it lies a package worn and old, But when 'tis ashes still my heart will keep In sacred memory the love that gave To me the sweet arbutus, faded, dead, But gave to God and country all he had And in the southland found a narrow bed. 'Tis this the south wind wafts to me tonight- Fond mem 'ry is the hurp o'er which she plays- The gentle breath of sweet arbutus flowers And tender thoughts of unforgotten davs. .