Page:Landon in Pictorial Album.pdf/20

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Vainly did her mother chide her With a chiding born of fear, As she saw her pale girl drooping For the sake of one too dear. With a meek and sweet obedience From her lover could she part; But it cost the bitter struggle Of a young and broken heart.

Every day her mother saw her With a darker, sadder eye; For the sake of that sweet mother Did she struggle not to die: But the soft low voice grew weaker, And the step more faint and slow; Heavily the languid eyelash Veiled the large bright eyes below.

Stately were the kindred mourners By the maiden's early tomb; Tears were mingled with the shadows Of the warrior's bending plume. Soon the solemn funeral pageant Left the maiden to her sleep: One alone came back each twilight,— 'Twas the mother came, to weep!