Ah no!—Darling, did you know When we bent above you so? When our tears fell down like rain, And our hearts were wild with pain? Did you pity us that day, Even as holy angels may Pity mortals here below, While they wonder at their woe?
Who can tell us? Word nor sign Came from those pale lips of thine; Loving hearts and yearning breast Lay in coldest, calmest rest. Is thy Heaven so very fair That thou dost forget us there? Speak, belovèd! Woe is me That in vain I call on thee!
WAKENING EARLY
In loving jest you wrote—“Ah, me! My babe’s blue eyes are fair to see; And sweet his cooing love-notes be That waken me too early!”
Oh! would to God, beloved, to-day That merry shout or gleeful play Might drive your heavy sleep away, And bid you waken early.
But vain are all our prayers and cries; From your low bed you will not rise; No kisses falling on your eyes, Can waken you right early.
Bright are the skies above your bed, And through the elm-boughs overhead Are golden sunbeams softly shed, That wake you late nor early.
Beside you through these summer days The murmuring fountain, as it plays, Fills the soft air with diamond sprays, But does not wake you early!
We bring the flowers you loved so well, The pure white rose and lily bell; Their sweets break not this fearful spell; They do not wake you early!
We sing your songs; we pause to hear Your bird-like voice rise full and clear; Ah! dull and heavy is your ear; We cannot wake you early.