HE.
But ah! to see thee live in want,
It fills my soul with care.
That thou so noble just and good,
Must slave and toil for daily food,
That drives me to despair.
SHE.
I gaily work [God knows my heart]
Contented at your side:
More joys than wealth can give I prove,
To share thy sorrows and thy love;
Thy faithful heart's my pride.
HE.
But who, when I am snatch'd from thee
Will hush thy trembling sighs?
And when our babe shall weeping say,
"Oh mother! give me bread I pray!"
Who then will heed its cries;
SHE.
God! whom the worm and sparrow shields,
Man in his need can aid;
He'll be my comfort when thou'rt fled—
The orphan's sire will give him bread—
O! be his will obey'd.
HE.
Wife of my heart, how great thou art!
Thy love is all my weal;
I feel so proud of one like thee—
Thy love and thy fidelity
Inspire me with fresh zeal.