My soul was not yet taught

To bow submissive to the sudden stroke;

Its crushing weight my heart had well nigh broke.

Words are not that can tell

The horrid thoughts that burned upon my brain—

That came and went with madness still the same—

A black and icy spell

That froze my life blood, stopped my fluttering breath,

Was laid upon me—even “life in death.”

Long weary months crept by,