First Voice

“Tears he must shed unnumbered; And he must strive with care, As strives in war the armed men: And human woe must bear.

“Must learn that joy is mockery; That man doth mask his heart; Must prove the trusted faithless; And see the loved depart!

“Must feel himself alone, alone; Must weep when none can see; Then lock his grief, like treasure up, For lack of sympathy.

“Must prove all human knowledge A burden, a deceit; And many a flattering friendship find A dark and hollow cheat.

“Well may’st thou weep, fond mother;— For what can life bequeath, But tears and sighs unnumbered, But watching, change, and death!”