"MY heart's bereaved, I'm sorely grieved, All hope forever fled; My loving wife, my joy, my life, Is numbered with the dead. "A faithful mother! not another Can fill her sainted place, Her children gaze in dread amaze Upon her pallid face. "Their dewy eyes in sad surprise Are lifted to mine own; Their childish grief will find relief, While I will live to mourn. "To mourn her dead, her spirit fled, Who erst my days beguiled, In sorrow's vale with burdened wail, I'll nurse my grief—so wild. "My love is gone and I'm forlorn My aching heart will break! My little son and baby one, I live for their sweet sake. "I'll shed a tear upon her bier, Then sadly turn away, Lead by the hand my orphan band, Nor hope a happier day." The willows wave above her grave, The branches spreading wide, Her little sons, her cherished ones, Are sleeping by her side. Her husband dear who shed a tear, And sadly turned away; Who mourned his loss, a heavy cross, Enjoys a @3happier day.@1 A bonny bride is by his side, "T'is love's first dream." he says, With youth renewed a maid he wooed, To bless and charm his days. O maiden fair, do not despair, Should young men tardy prove, A widowed heart, with Cupid's dart Transfixed, will seek your love. Throughout the land these vows of sand Are made o'er woman's grave, But vows of sand cannot withstand The force of Lethe's wave. |