II.

It's lonely in my study here alone Now you are gone; I loved to see your white gown 'mid the flowers, While, hours on hours, I studied—toiled to weave a crown of fame About your name.

I liked to hear your sweet, low laughter ring; To hear you sing About the house while I sat reading here, My child, my dear; To know you glad with all the life-joys fair I dared not share.

I thought there would be time enough to show My love, to throw Some day with crowns of laurel at your feet Love's roses sweet; I thought I could taste love when fame was won— Now both are done!

Thank God, your child-heart knew not how to miss The passionate kiss Which I dared never give, lest love should rise Mighty, unwise, And bind me, with my life-work incomplete, Beside your feet.

You never knew, you lived and were content; My one chance went; You died, my little one, and are at rest— And I, unblest, Look at these broken fragments of my life, My child, my wife.