Beside the bier I watched his rest divine,
While sunset faded and the moon rose fair
To light the chamber gloom with mellow shine,
And kiss the lips that love would hardly dare;
And through the lattice, from the meadows, came
The south wind like a seraph, fluting low,
And fanned his cheek, and almost breathed his name,
And waved the pall's weird fringes to and fro.
Oh, life I would have given for look or word!
Alas, alas, he could not hear my cry!
Caress nor prayer his wan, cold slumber stirred;
The wind and moonlight were as dear as I!
Done were our mingled days of joy and care;
Parted the paths we had together trod;
He on his bier, and I beside him there—
Each, in the stillness, was alone with God.