Mrs. S. A. Collins

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A Dream

by Mrs. S. A. Collins

Last night in my dreams I was standing

Alone on that plebian shore;

I heard shrieks of women and children

Above those of the fierce battle's roar.

I saw the Turks with their, murderous weapons,

And with eyes glaring fiercely as beasts,

marching onward as gayly to batt1e

As many could march to a feast.

I saw the Greeks all determined,

Though outnumbered they were more than half,

And I wondered why onward to battle,

As I heard the wild Turk's fiendish laugh.

I saw banners streaming in battle,

I saw soldiers falling by score,

I saw the field after the conflict,

Which seemed to be running with gore.

I saw the dead and the wounded.

Who lie in a heap in the vale,

And I thought how our children in history

Would read of this murderous tale.

I looked to the top of the mountain,

And then to the city below,

And as I now think of that picture,

It fills me for a moment with woe.

I saw the brave women who journeyed.

Away o'er the ocean so blue,

Lift gently the heads of the dying;

Such women are noble and true!

And with hands ever ready for action,

Press the cool damp cloth to the brow

Of the weak dying soldier who murmured,

"Oh take me home to my loved ones, now."

I saw, and my brain seemed inactive

To comprehend this terrible sight,

Until I awoke in the midst of my dreaming,

Awoke in the darkness of night.

And then as I thought of that battle,

So real it had been to me,

I wondered if I should witness

Such a terrible scene! Could it be?

And I felt that to God a petition

Should be sent by all lovers of peace,

To at once stay those murderous battles

In that beautiful country ofGreece.