The peopled coach rolled down the dusty road.

The shining cattle through the pasture grazed;

And all the air seemed trembling with a load

Of melody, by birds and children raised:

But now, a voice—a groan—he started—stood amazed.

Hark! was’t the wind which eddied round the place,

Or mournful trees by wailing tempests tossed?

Or was’t a moan from that pale, wasted face

Which from the bed gleamed like a sleeping ghost?

Or Hunger worrying Slumber from his post