I saw the tear trembling in sister's blue eye,
In bright smiles she vailed it, full well I knew why.
That moment stern duty had called us to part,
Emotion was struggling for vent in her heart.
She asked, "will some angel in mercy descend,
And from all afflictions each loved one defend?
Or must pain and sickness make sweet home forlorn?
Will death send an arrow, ere I shall return?"
Dear sister, my thoughts did in unison flow,
My heart will be with you wherever you go;
By day, in my fancy, thy image I see,
And sleep brings refreshment when dreaming of thee.