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THE WELCOME.



IV.
There are three that now await him,
    And bless the ended strife,—
The boy that will not know him,
    His sister, and his wife.

V.
His sister waiteth tenderly,—
    But, in her hidden heart,
She thinketh of another,
    With whom she wept to part.

VI.
The child is all impatience—
    With many a childish word,
He questions of his father,
    And of his horse and sword.

VII.
But one is thinking only
    Of him—the victor knight;—
She trembles at the honours
    He has achieved in fight.

VIII.
Still doth her pale lip quiver
    At dangers that are done;—
Ah, sadly to a woman
    Her warrior's praise is won!