Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Robert CameronRogers

1490 The Rosary

THE HOURS I spent with thee, dear heart,

Are as a string of pearls to me;

I count them over, every one apart,

My rosary.

Each hour a pearl, each pearl a prayer,

To still a heart in absence wrung;

I tell each bead unto the end and there

A cross is hung.

Oh memories that bless—and burn!

Oh barren gain—and bitter loss!

I kiss each bead, and strive at last to learn

To kiss the cross,

Sweetheart,

To kiss the cross.