Page:Peter Bell (Wordsworth).djvu/95

Part III. Upon a stone the Woman sits

In agony of silent grief—

From his own thoughts did Peter start;

He longs to press her to his heart,

From love that cannot find relief.

But rous'd, as if through every limb

Had pass'd a sudden shock of dread,

The Mother o'er the threshold flies,

And up the cottage stairs she hies,

And to the pillow gives her burning head.

And Peter turns his steps aside

Into a shade of darksome trees,

Where he sits down, he knows not how,

With his hands press'd against his brow,

And resting on his tremulous knees.