Page:Forget Me Not 1844.pdf/4



In a dungeon dark and deep A captive the Knight is laid. Shame on the faithless slave Who the gallant band betrayed!

Oh worse than death to feel Time steal on day by day!— To feel our youth and strength Passing like shadows away!

The light of the glorious sun Through the iron bars came dim; It was as if it shone For all the earth save him.

There were but the dark walls, There was but the small damp court, Which seemed as if only made For the newt's and bat's resort.

But one day—was it a dream?— He saw, mid the sullen mould, As planted by magic, a flower Its small blue leaves unfold.

He knew the FORGET ME NOT: It was as a hope from Above; It seemed like a messenger Who came to tell of his love.

That night he heard light feet, Like silver music's fall, And he saw a lamp's red light Upon his dungeon-wall;

And he heard a gentle voice, Like the south wind steal on his ear; He looked, and the phœnix Hope Sprang up from the ashes of Fear.

His own Maiden stood by his side— What will not Love essay?— And, touching the lock of his chains, Whispered "Away!—away!"