"And what is this light that seems to fall
On the sixth command upon the wall?
"And who are these I see arise
And look on me wi' stony eyes?
"A shadowy troop, they flock sae fast
The kirk-yard may not hold the last.
"Young and old of ilk degree,
Bairns, and bairnies' bairns, I see.
"All I look on either way,
'Mother, mother!' seem to say.
"'We are souls that might have been,
But for your vanity and sin.
"'We, in numbers multiplied,
Might have lived, and loved, and died,—
"'Might have served the Lord in this,—
Might have met thy soul in bliss.
"'Mourn for us, then, while you pray,
Who might have been, but never may!'"
Thus the voices died away,—
"Might have been, but never may!"