The sobs of one heart-broken wife,

Low, stifled moans of agony,

That fell upon my shrinking ear,

In hollow tones of woe and fear;

As crouching, weeping, at her side,

I felt my soul with sorrow swell,

In pity begg'd her not to hide

The cause of grief I knew too well;

Then wept afresh to hear her pray

That death might take us both away!