A breath of air—a zephyr from the west,
Came stealing through the latticed window frame;
To me, as comes a dear expected guest,
One long beloved and waited for, it came;
It bore a message to my fainting heart,
And caused sweet tears through my closed eyes to start.
It told my heart that love was ling’ring still
Around the places where I once did dwell;
In every grove—near every bubbling rill—
On every mound—in every peaceful dell—