18 THE maiden's grave. 



An emblem beautiful and pure. 



Meet for a maiden fair ; 

 Yet not so pure and beautiful 



As she who slumber'd there. 



Sweet, gentle Kate ! I knew thee young, 

 A bright and laughing child. 



With azure eye, and golden hair. 

 So joyful — playful— wild ! 



The deer upon the mountain's side. 



The wild bird on the tree. 

 The dolphin sporting in the tide. 



Were not so blithe as thee. 



Thou didst not know a father's love, — 

 He died ere thou couldst sigh ; 



But doubly did a mother's care 

 The mournful loss supply. 



Oft have I seen her lead thee forth. 



And guide thy gentle feet. 

 And teach thine infant lips to speak 



In accents pure and sweet. 



Yet scarce nine flowery springs had wreathed 

 Their chaplets round thy brow. 



When she, the fountain of thy joy. 

 In earth was sleeping low. 



The heart may feel sufficed with love 



When leaning all on one ; 

 But oh ! how sad, how desolate. 



When it's last stay is gone. 



An orphan ! in this chilling world 



Where can her spirit rest ? 

 Where can she find a voice to soothe. 



Or seek a kindred breast ? 



