Had you one word of comfort, all my fears
Were quickly banished—faster still the tears,
A bitter, burning flood,
Fall on my face, and now one trembling word
Confirms the dreadful truth my ears have heard.
Why weep you? I am calm.
My wan lip quivers not, my heart is still.
My swollen temples—see, they do not thrill!
That word was as a charm.
Tell me the worst, all, all I now can bear.