Over this child so frail and fair,
We watched with many an anxious care,
From infancy to girlhood’s years,
Alternating ’tween hopes and fears.
But there came a day when hope was gone;—
And our beautiful singing-bird had flown;—
Leaving our hearts so lone and sad,
We thought we could nevermore be glad;
The sun seemed blotted from the sky;
And I almost prayed that I might die.