For His Sake

Hold closer still ïny hand, dear love, Nor fear its touch wili soil thine own ; No paira is cleaner now than this, So free from earth-stain has it grown Since last you held it clasped so close, And with it held my lite and heart. For my heart beat but in your sraile, And life was Death, we two apart. I loved you so. And you ? Ah, well ! I have no word or thought oí blame ; And eveu now my voice grows low And tender, w hapering your name. You gauged my love by yours ; that'ü all. 1 do not think you understood : There is n point you uien can't reach, L'p the white height of womanhood. You love us,- so at least you soy, With niauy a tender sniile and word ; You kiss us close on niouth aud brow, TUI all our bMrt within is stirred : And having, unlike you, you see, No other interests at stake, We give our best, and count that Death Is biessed wheu suffered tor your sake.