TO A REDBREAST—(IN SICKNESS)

Published 1842

[Almost the only verses by our lamented sister Sara Hutchinson.—I.F.]

One of the “Miscellaneous Poems.”—Ed.

Stay, little cheerful Robin! stay,

And at my casement sing,

Though it should prove a farewell lay

And this our parting spring.

Though I, alas! may ne’er enjoy 5

The promise in thy song;

A charm, that thought can not destroy,

Doth to thy strain belong.

Methinks that in my dying hour

Thy song would still be dear, 10

And with a more than earthly power

My passing Spirit cheer.

Then, little Bird, this boon confer,

Come, and my requiem sing,

Nor fail to be the harbinger 15

Of everlasting Spring.

S.H.