Or from those ashy lips one sob was heard:
The last faint accents she had uttered clear,
Were for her EDMUND words of fervent prayer.

At length, when night was far upon the wane,
From festal halls and Beauty's smiling train,
Like one on whom affection had no claim,
Unto the spot the heedless lover came;

For well he knew that gentle, trusting heart
Would wait him till the morning star depart.
And as he nearer came, his sight grew dim,
Cold tremors shook convulsively each limb,—
He called aloud, but there was no reply―
Ah! what recks she of life's worst misery,
And faithless man's neglect-fate's utmost woes?
Her sleep is calm as is a child's repose,
Upon its mother's breast at eventide :

He took the cold hand hanging by his side,
Then dropped it quickly as a viper—" Dead!
Oh, God! pour not thy vengeance on my head!"
He shrieked, and from the spot a maniac fled.

EDITH.

EDITH.

I SAW her on her mother's breast,

A little nursling thing,

There calmly, sweetly lulled to rest
Beneath Affection's wing.

I saw her playing 'mong the trees,
With other smiling girls;

Like gossamer upon the breeze

Flowed free her silken curls.

I saw her in that loveliest hour,

In first sweet maidenhood,

When she was like an opening flower

With dew-drops in its bud.