653. 654. WE The Death-bed E watch'd her breathing thro' the night, As in her breast the wave of life Kept heaving to and fro. So silently we seem'd to speak, So slowly moved about, As we had lent her half our powers Our very hopes belied our fears, For when the morn came dim and sad Look at her garments Touch her not scornfully; Make no deep scrutiny Rash and undutiful: Past all dishonour, Death has left on her Still, for all slips of hers, One of Eve's familyWipe those poor lips of hers Oozing so clammily. Loop up her tresses Escaped from the comb, Her fair auburn tresses; Whilst wonderment guesses Where was her home? Who was her father? Who was her mother? Had she a sister? Had she a brother? Or was there a dearer one Yet, than all other? Alas! for the rarity O, it was pitiful! Sisterly, brotherly, Fatherly, motherly Feelings had changed: Love, by harsh evidence, Thrown from its eminence ; Even God's providence Seeming estranged. Where the lamps quiver From window and casement, She stood, with amazement, The bleak wind of March Made her tremble and shiver; But not the dark arch, Or the black flowing river: Mad from life's history, In she plunged boldly- Lave in it, drink of it, Take her up tenderly, Ere her limbs frigidly Decently, kindly, Smooth and compose them; And her eyes, close them, Dreadfully staring Thro' muddy impurity, Perishing gloomily, 655. Cold inhumanity, Into her rest.— Over her breast! Owning her weakness, Her evil behaviour, WILLIAM THOM The Blind Boy's Pranks 1798-1848 MEN grew sae cauld, maids sae unkind, Love kentna whaur to stay: Wi' fient an arrow, bow, or string- " Is there nae mair in Garioch fair He launch'd a leaf o' jessamine, An' pillow'd his head on a wee rosebud, 655. kentna] knew not. arrow. wi' fient an arrow] i. q. with deuce an swithe] hie quickly. laithfu'] regretful. |