Adelaide Anne Procter (1825–1864)

IF in the fight my arm was strong

And forced my foes to yield,

If conquering and unhurt I come

Back from the battle-field—

It is because thy prayers have been

My safeguard and my shield.

Thy heart, my love, still beats in Heaven

With the same love divine

That made thee stoop to such a soul,

So hard, so stern, as mine—

My eyes have learnt to weep, Beloved,

Since last they look’d on thine.

I hear thee murmur words of peace,

Thro’ the dim midnight air;

And a calm falls from the angel stars

And soothes my great despair—

The heavens themselves look brighter, Love,

Since thy sweet soul is there.