Page:The Sad Years.djvu/53



ND I had died before the spring had come, When winter's kiss upon the fields was cold, And no small seed had broken up the land, Then had I died, whose earthly hours were told.

I should have liked to see the snowdrop rise, And pressed my lips upon the primrose bowl, To see the thousand spear-heads of new grass, But death had called to my half-willing soul.

And as I passed there came the sound of tears, Disturbing me and dropping o'er my face; I could not plead for mercy from their grief With “Stay thy tears that chill my resting-place.”

But I returned, in pity for their lot, Stood by my bed to see my kindred there; About my house I heard their footsteps go, Finding my goods and seeking each his share. [45]