FOR CHILDREN. : 299

He lived—for life may long be borne,
Ere sorrow break its chain ;—

Why comes not death to those who mourn?
He never smiled again !

There stood proud forms before his throne,
The stately and the brave ;

But which could fill the place of one,
That one beneath the wave P

Before him passed the young and fair.
In pleasure’s reckless train ;

But seas dashed o’er his son’s bright hair—
He never smiled again !

He sat where festal bowls went round ;
He heard the minstrel sing ;

He saw the tournay's victor crowned
Amidst the knightly ring ;

A murmur of the restless deep
Was blent with every strain,

A voice of winds that would not sleep—
He never smiled again !

Hearts, in that time, closed o’er the trace
Of vows once fondly poured,
And strangers took the kinsman’s place
At many a joyous board,
Graves, which true love had bathed with tears,
Were left to heaven’s bright rain,
Fresh hopes were born for other years—
He never smiled again !
Mrs. Hemans.