As if the hour had brought too bright a day—
And little birds were all too gay!—too gay!—
As if the beauty of that Lovely One
Were all a fable.—Full before the sun
Stood Death and cast a shadow long before,
Like a dark pall enshrouding her all o'er,
Till eyes, and lips, and smiles, were all no more!
[TO A CHILD EMBRACING HIS MOTHER.]
Love thy mother, little one!
Kiss and clasp her neck again,—