I saw within a darkened room

An old man, lying in the gloom.

He saw my flowers, and then he sighed,

And turned upon his bed and died.

I took my way with soundless feet,

But none I met my steps to greet.

Save when a wakeful babe me spied,

And stretched his dimpled arms and cried.

They hushed his voice, nor knew his will—

I left the city sleeping still.