"Persons Unknown"

When winter's breath was on the pane, Through dusk and snow, wild winds and rain, I fled to your bright hearth again To read about a Shadow! You lit the lamp, you brewed the tea, Pulled up the deepest chair for me, And set yourselves to guess and see-- What ailed that minx, Christina?

What Herrick found--what Nancy knew-- Whose motor raced the county through-- What could that harsh Policeman do-- You never failed to argue; Of moonlight, murders, lovers, threats, Vengeance and kisses, siren's nets, And pale, dark men with cigarettes, Not once I found you weary!

Through broken music, sudden light In the deep darkness, jewels bright, Persons unknown in unknown plight, You still sought unknown persons; Authors, if you would straightway know Where faith and cheer and counsel grow, Suggestions flourish and hints flow: Go ask my Nancy Cornish!