BUSH BALLADS AND RHYMES 



Last Scene "EXEUNT" 



Helen Raby 



Where the grave-deeps rot, where the grave- 

 dews rust, 

 They dug, crying, " Earth to earth " — 

 Crying, '* Ashes to ashes and dust to dust " — 



And what are my poor prayers worth ? 

 Upon whom shall I call, or in whom shall I 

 trust, 

 Though death were indeed new birth ? 



And they bid me be glad for my baby's sake, 

 That she suffer'd sinless and young — 



Would they have me be glad when my breasts 

 still ache 

 Where that small, soft, sweet mouth clung ? 



I am glad that the heart will so surely break 

 That has been so bitterly wrung. 



He was false, they tell me, and what if he 



were? 



I can only shudder and pray, 



Pouring out my soul in a passionate prayer 



For the soul that he cast away ; 



230 



