I did not hear aright—“forever blind!”

Mother, you would not speak

Aught but the truth to me, your stricken child;

Tell me I do but dream; my brain is wild,

And yet my heart is weak.

Oh, mother, fold me in a close embrace,

Bend down to me that dear, that gentle face.

I cannot hear your voice!

Speak louder, mother. Speak to me, and say

This frightful dream will quickly pass away.