In the Night-watches

You counted life a light and tinted thing, That like a butterfly might soon take wing.

"Give me," you said, "as heaven is far above,— A little laughter—and a little love!"

"We all," you said, "must cross some bridge of sighs To find the land where beauty never dies."

Your heart was like a harp—but yesterday— On which each airy fancy stopped to play.

How have you drifted down such fathoms deep, Into this still unpenetrable sleep?

In webs of silence none can break or mar, You have been wrapped, as old lost Pharaohs are.

And yet—and yet—it is so short a while Since last you tossed to me your sun-lit smile!

Leave me a little sleep—for day is done And I who watch beside thee, dear, have none.

Give me a little portion of your peace So my rebellion—and my tears may cease.