"WHEREFORE dwell so sad and lonely By the desolate sea-shore, With the melancholy surges Beating at your cottage door? "You shall dwell beside the castle Shadowed by our ancient trees; And your life shall pass on gently, Cared for, and in rest and ease." "Lady, one who loved me dearly Sailed for distant lands away; And I wait here his returning Hopefully from day to day. "To my door I bring my spinning, Watching every ship I see; Waiting, hoping, till the sunset Fades into the western sea. "After sunset, at my casement, Still I place a signal light; He will see its well-known shining Should his ship return at night. "Lady, see your infant smiling, With its flaxen curling hair, -- I remember when your mother Was a baby just as fair. "I was watching then, and hoping: Years have brought great change to all; To my neighbors in their cottage, To you nobles at the hall. "Not to me, -- for I am waiting, And the years have fled so fast, I must look at you to tell me That a weary time has past! "When I hear a footstep coming On the shingle -- years have fled -- Yet amid a thousand others, I shall know his quick, light tread. "When I hear (to-night it may be) Some one pausing at my door, I shall know the gay, soft accents, Heard and welcomed oft before! "So each day I am more hopeful, He may come before the night; Every sunset I feel surer He must come ere morning light. "Then I thank you, noble lady, But I cannot do your will: Where he left me he must find me, Waiting, watching, hoping, still!" |