And when to the chamber they made their way,
In a sable coffin the damsel lay.
The first—the veil from her face he took,
And gazed upon her with mournful look:
"Alas! fair maiden—didst thou still live,
To thee my love would I henceforth give!"
The second—he lightly replaced the shroud,
Then round he turned him, and wept aloud:
"Thou liest, alas I on thy death-bed here;
I loved thee fondly for many a year!"
The third—he lifted again the veil,
And gently he kissed those lips so pale:
"I love thee now, as I loved of yore,
And thus will I love thee forevermore!"
* * * * *
THE GOOD COMRADE[24] (1809)
I had a gallant comrade,
No better e'er was tried;
The drum beat loud to battle—
Beside me, to its rattle,
He marched, with equal stride.