Why do you strike a match?
I want to see
What time it is, wife.
It is nearly three .
How do you know that, wife, without a light?

I know.
You know? Well, sure enough, you're right.
I cannot think ...
You don't remember, then?
Remember, wife?
The memories of men!
But, husband, as it seems you don't recall,
What makes you want to know the time at all?

I couldn't say, wife; but I cannot get
A wink of sleep — as if my eyes were set
On something that they cannot see quite clear:
My thoughts keep fumbling something very near
That yet eludes them always; and just now
I felt that, rest or no rest, anyhow
I must know what o'clock it was. But you —
I cannot think, wife, how it was you knew
Almost the very moment ...
'Twas nigh three ,
A year ago, that he smiled up at me;
And as within my arms he lay so still
I felt his body stiffen and grow chill
Against my bosom: and how should my breast
Forget the moment when his heart found rest?