AN INQUIRY OF THE SEXTON.

"Sexton, was she here to-day Who has met me oft before? Did she come and go away, Tired of waiting any more? For I fancy some mistake Has occurred about the time; Yet, the hour has not yet passed; Hark! the bells begin to chime.

"In her hair two roses woo, One a white, and one a red. Azure silk her dress might be, Though she oft wears white instead. Here, beside this marble cross, Oft she kneels in silent prayer; Tell me, has she been to-day, In the church-yard anywhere?"

"No, the lady that you seek Has not passed the gate to-day: I've been digging at a grave, And if she had come this way I'd have seen her from my work. She may come to meet you yet. I remember well her looks. Names, not faces, I forget."