 | Impressions of Italy and Other Poems |  |
166
THE MAIDEN'S LAMENTATION.
There flows a bright stream yonder;
But I may not, as of yore,
Midst the wild flowers near its shore—
Calmly rest or wander.
But I may not, as of yore,
Midst the wild flowers near its shore—
Calmly rest or wander.
In other days of gladness,
By that bright stream I strayed;
But now I seek the shade,
For joy is turned to sadness!
By that bright stream I strayed;
But now I seek the shade,
For joy is turned to sadness!
Joy now can bless me never,
Its latest rays are set:
I pray but to forget—
'Tis my life's long endeavour.
Its latest rays are set:
I pray but to forget—
'Tis my life's long endeavour.
167
There frowns no change—no blighting—
Still fair the wild flowers grow—
The waves in music flow
To me how undelighting!
Still fair the wild flowers grow—
The waves in music flow
To me how undelighting!
My sole guest now is sorrow;
Yet is their hope for all!
The slave may break his thrall,
And I may die to-morrow!
Yet is their hope for all!
The slave may break his thrall,
And I may die to-morrow!
| Impressions of Italy and Other Poems | |