XXI. (I WISH I were where Helen lies)

I WISH I were where Helen lies! Night and day on me she cries To bear her company. O would that in her darksome bed My weary frame to rest were laid From love and anguish free!

I hear, I hear the welcome sound Break slowly from the trembling mound That ever calls on me: Oh blessed virgin! could my power Vye with my wish, this very hour I'd sleep death's sleep with thee.

A lover's sigh, a lover's tear, Attended on thy timeless bier: What more can fate require? I hear, I hear the welcome sound— Yes, I will seek the sacred ground, And on thy grave expire.

The worm now tastes that rosy mouth, Where glowed, short time, the smiles of youth; And in my heart's dear home, Her snowey bosom, loves to lye.— I hear, I hear the welcome cry! I come, my love! I come.

O life begone! thy irksome scene Can bring no comfort to my pain: Thy scenes my pain recall! My joy is grief, my life is dead, Since she for whom I lived is fled; My love, my hope, my all.

Take, take me to thy lovely side, Of my lost youth thou only bride! O take me to thy tomb! I hear, I hear the welcome sound! Yes life can fly at sorrow's wound. I come, I come, I come.