Livingstone'S Soliloquy

"My heart to-day Is strangely full of home! How is it With the dear ones over there? Five years! Five long-drawn years! And one short moment is enough To alter life's complexion for eternity! Home! Home! Home!

* * * * *

How is it with you all At Home?

* * * * *

And you, my dearest one, Are ever nearer to me than the rest! Your body lies Beneath the baobab In far Shapanga; But your soul is ever nearest When I need you most. Where a man's treasure is His heart is. And half my heart is buried there with you, And half works on for Africa. Home! Home! Home!

* * * * *

Why should such thought of home Drag at my heart to-day? Why should I longer roam? Why should I not go home? Five years of toilsome wanderings May claim a rest!

* * * * *

Nay! God knows best! When He sees well He'll take me home and give me well-earned rest. The work is not yet done. This land of Night Is not yet fully opened to the Son And His fair Light. But--when the work is done-- Ah--then!--how gladly will I go-- Home!--Home--Home!-- To rest!"