Can I say how bright a future
Rose before my soul that day?
Oh, so strange, so sweet, so tender--
And I had to turn away.
Hard and terrible the struggle,
For the pain not mine alone;
I called back my Brother's spirit,
And I bade him claim his own.

Told her--now I dared to do it--
That I felt the day would rise
When he would return to gladden
My weak heart and her bright eyes.
And I pleaded--pleaded sternly--
In his name, and for his sake:
Now, I can speak calmly of it,
Then, I thought my heart would break.

Soon--ah, Love had not deceived me,
(Love's true instincts never err,)
Wounded, weak, escaped from prison,
He returned to me; to her.
I could thank God that bright morning,
When I felt my Brother's gaze,
That my heart was true and loyal,
As in our old boyish days.

Bought by wounds and deeds of daring,
Honours he had brought away;
Glory crowned his name--my Brother's;