University of Virginia Library

THE CHILDLESS LAND.

There is a world no mortal hand can paint,
With no abatement by the ages brought,
The direst hell whose dreams could sadden saint,
Or sinner drive to higher holier thought:
The dolorous world where love is vainly sought,
And hearts for ever hunger and are faint;
Where every joy has yet a joyless taint,
And peace and kissing lips may not be bought.
It is a realm of dim and lonely lands,
Where waves of pleasure beat on sterile strands,
And yearnings of all young delight are pain;
Where chimes no sound of children's happy strain,
Nor thrills the touch of small caressing hands,
And mothers call but ever call in vain.