Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
The Willis
By David Law Proudfit (18421897)T
In the ghostly pale moonlight,
With robes and faces white.
And make not any sound,
Nor footprint on the ground.
All things that fly or creep
A death-like silence keep.
From spectral trees and tall
The gathering night-dews fall.
While through the forest dim
Slow glides a figure slim.
With loosened, streaming hair,
Watching the Willis there!
“Of hapless ones unwed,
Who loved and now are dead.”
The moonlight shimmered through
And showed its raven hue.
“Or ever she was a bride,
For love’s sake sinned and died.”
Ye are by one too few,”
And joined the phantom crew.
Nor was there any sound,
Nor footprint on the ground.