All night, by the pathway that crosses the moor,
I waited on Mary, I linger'd till morn,
Yet thought her not false—she had ever been true
To her tryst by the old blighted thorn.
I had heard of Love lighting to darken the heart,
Fickle, fleeting as wind and the dews of the morn;
Such were not my fears, though I sigh'd all night long,
And wept 'neath the old blighted thorn.
The snows, that were deep, had awaken'd my dread,
I mark'd as footprints far below by the burn;
I sped to the valley—I found her deep sunk,
On her way to the old blighted thorn!
I whisper'd, "My Mary!"—she spoke not: I caught
Her hand, press'd her pale cheek—'twas icy and cold;
Then sunk on her bosom—its throbbings were o'er—
Nor knew how I quitted my hold.
THE WRECKED MARINER.
Stay, proud bird of the shore!
Carry my last breath with thee to the cliff,
Where waits our shatter'd skiff—
One that shall mark nor it nor lover more.
Fan with thy plumage bright
Her heaving heart to rest, as thou dost mine;
And, gently to divine
The tearful tale, flap out her beacon-light.
Again swoop out to sea,
With lone and lingering wail—then lay thy head,
As thou thyself wert dead,
Upon her breast, that she may weep for me.
Now let her bid false Hope
For ever hide her beam, nor trust again
The peace-bereaving strain—
Life has, but still far hence, choice flowers to crop.