But dark decay may mine the tree, The winter pressed with gloom and chill And while at solitary night While from the distant snow-clad world The clown, belated, marked the beam, Nor guessed of what the glimmering told, What human task, or goblin dream, She turned, and passed the dim churchdoor, Beneath an ancient arch's frown, Upon the seat she stooped her face, 'Twas still the same pursuing knell. 40. And when the people stood to sing, Though now the weary bell was o'er, She heard it through her bosom ring, As if 'twould ring for ever more. 41. She could not rise upon her feet, 42. At last the service all was done, But Henry more than all was dear; To track the wandering mourning shade. 4. Along the churchyard path she went, And saw above the Yew The low discoloured firmament, But swift along the road she sped And walked where blackest darkness led, The more to hide her face. 6. And now to Henry's home she came, An aged woman, dull and slow, 8. Jane hurried in, and at the first, 9. She marked the woman's wrinkled cheek, And saw 'twas swollen with weeping, Before she heard her answering speak, "He is alive, and sleeping. 10. "'Tis now the second day that he "I've loved him ever since a child, 12. Then Jane exclaimed,-" What noise is there? I hear a tapping faint and low.” 13. And she was there when Henry said "I heard a voice that spoke below; Or was my heart by dreams betrayed? It seemed the voice that best I know." 14. His words were weak, and drawn with pain, His face looked flushed with burning red; She would no more her love restrain, But swiftly knelt beside the bed. 15. Her arms around his neck she threw, She gave his lips a quivering kiss, And heart to heart tumultuous flew, For nought was left them now but this. 16 Few moments passed in hurried grief, 17. He strove to smile with happier eyes, But could not long the toil sustain ; From his deep glance the meaning flies, The lids drop down-he longs in vain. 18. On her young heart his withered hand She laid, and pressed it strongly there, As if her life she could command, And bid it pass to him from her. |