You nor moved, nor sighed, nor answered,
Pale your cheek was as your dress,
But the golden lashes drooping
Gave response, and it was "Yes."
That was five long years ago, dear,
Can you hear me as I speak?
For again I see the lashes
Falling on a pallid cheek.
Still, and ah! so silent sleeping,
Motionless you take your rest;
I've your pledge of love beside me,
And your image in my breast.
Just one golden head you gave me,
Little one with eyes of blue;
See, she nestles to my shoulder:
Darling, can you see us two?
LULLABY.
Sleep, little one, sleep,
Safe and strong is thy father's arm,
He will guard thee from every harm,
Soothe thee with kisses soft and warm
Sleep, little one, sleep.
Sleep, little one, sleep;
Close the lids on the wondering eyes,
Deep and blue as the summer skies.
Far in the west the sunset dies:
Sleep, little one, sleep.
Sleep, little one, sleep,
Thou art more than the world to me,
All my life shall be spent for thee,
Till Nature comes with her lullaby:
Sleep, little one, sleep.
The Bird in the Night.
Once long ago, a summer night in June,
When earth lay still beneath a waning moon.
And never sound or rustle in the wood
Save the dull thunder of a far-off flood,
Hurling itself in ruin to the deep
O'er a great gulf, I lay and strove to sleep.
The stars were out; I watched with aching eye
Their slow grand march across a cloudless sky,
But rest came not; when suddenly I heard,
Far in the slumbering forest, one lone bird
Give three sweet calls, as if in pure delight
To fling its soul in music through the night!