Gloomily the Clouds

Gloomily the clouds are sailing O'er the dimly moonlit sky; Dolefully the wind is wailing; Not another sound is nigh; Only I can hear it sweeping Heathclad hill and woodland dale, And at times the nights's sad weeping Sounds above its dying wail.

Now the struggling moonbeams glimmer; Now the shadows deeper fall, Till the dim light, waxing dimmer, Scarce reveals yon stately hall.

All beneath its roof are sleeping; Such a silence reigns around I can hear the cold rain steeping Dripping roof and plashy ground.

No: not all are wrapped in slumber; At yon chamber window stands One whose years can scarce outnumber The tears that dew his clasped hands.

From the open casement bending He surveys the murky skies, Dreary sighs his bosom rending; Hot tears gushing from his eyes.

Now that Autumn's charms are dying, Summer's glories long since gone, Faded leaves on damp earth lying, Hoary winter striding on, --

'Tis no marvel skies are lowering, Winds are moaning thus around, And cold rain, with ceaseless pouring, Swells the streams and swamps the ground;

But such wild, such bitter grieving Fits not slender boys like thee; Such deep sighs should not be heaving Breasts so young as thine must be.

Life with thee is only springing; Summer in thy pathway lies; Every day is nearer bringing June's bright flowers and glowing skies.

Ah, he sees no brighter morrow! He is not too young to prove All the pain and all the sorrow That attend the steps of love.