Across the sunbeam, and along the wall, O'er all there hung the shadow of a fear; A sense of mystery the spirit daunted, And said, as plain as whisper in the ear, The place is haunted! Take her up tenderly, Look at her garments Touch her not scornfully; Make no deep scrutiny Rash and undutiful: Past all dishonor, Death has left on her Only the beautiful. Still, for all slips of hers, Wipe those poor lips of hers Loop up her tresses Escaped from the comb, Her fair auburn tresses; Whilst wonderment guesses Where was her home? Who was her father? Who was her mother? Had she a sister? Had she a brother? Or was there a dearer one Still, and a nearer one Yet, than all other? Alas for the rarity O, it was pitiful! Sisterly, brotherly, . Feelings had changed: Where the lamps quiver So far in the river, With many a light From window and casement, The bleak wind of March Or the black flowing river: In she plunged boldly, Lave in it, drink of it, Take her up tenderly, Fashioned so slenderly, Ere her limbs frigidly Dreadfully staring Through muddy impurity, Perishing gloomily, Cross her hands humbly, Owning her weakness, Her evil behavior, And leaving, with meekness, Her sins to her Saviour! |