Alas! how had that vow been kept?

She asked, then bowed her head and wept

Meanwhile upon her breast her infant slept.

Fiercely the storm was raging; and the rain

With dismal sound beat ’gainst the window pane,

The mother bent her listening ear in vain.

No sound save of the storm greeted her ear;

Not one familiar footstep could she hear,

To tell her he for whom she wept was near.

From out the tower the solemn midnight bell,