To Miss Bell Hart
When genius wealth & fashion bow in homage at thy feet
And youth and beauty smile in all thy happy glances greet
When I shall pitch beneath the sky my bivouac on the lea—
I ask not then (for ‘t would been in vain) that thou wouldst think of me
--
When music’s soft enrapturing swell delights thy list’ning ear
When Zephyrs whisper
“all is well” & all thou lovst are near—
When Skies are bright & thou art all that thou couldst wish to be
I dare not ask for ‘t would be in vain that thou couldst think of me.
==
But when misfortune frown’s upon that lovely dimpled face
And o’er the past thy mem’ry’s dove can find no resting place,
When friends are false save one whose heart beats constantly for thee
‘Tis then I ask that thou wouldst turn confidingly to
me.
James Elder Brother Stuart.
Hd Qrs Cav Div
Decr 5 1862