Page:The songs that Quinte sang.djvu/28

24 On a bed of pain the sick girl lay
 * With closed, white-lidded eyes,

As the sunset gilded the azure bay
 * And crimsoned the western skies,

Whilst over her head in bitter strife Strove the Angel of Death and the Angel of Life.

In and out of the chamber crept
 * The watchers, with noiseless tread,

They feared to disturb the one who slept,
 * For they knew how frail the thread

That held her light and wavering breath And balanced her soul between life and death.

Then a gentle voice the silence broke,
 * And they gathered around the bed;

In low, sweet accents the sick girl spoke.
 * Strange were the words she said:

“Hearken to me and cease the strife, O Angel of Death and Angel of Life.

“I am weary listening to the strife
 * And to end it I am fain,

So cease to struggle, O Death and Life
 * And I’ll choose between ye twain.”

Then turning to Life she wearily sighed, “Tell me, what gifts can’st thou give thy bride?”