3. Away; we know that tears are vain, That death nor heeds nor hears distress: Will this unteach us to complain? Or make one mourner weep the less? And thou-who tell'st me to forget, Thy looks are wan, thine eyes are wet. MY SOUL IS DARK. 1. My soul is dark-Oh! quickly string The harp I yet can brook to hear; And let thy gentle fingers fling Its melting murmurs o'er mine ear. If in this heart a hope be dear, That sound shall charm it forth again; If in these eyes there lurk a tear, "Twill flow, and cease to burn my brain: 2. But bid the strain be wild and deep, Or else this heavy heart will burst; For it hath been by sorrow nurst, And ached in sleepless silence long; And now 'tis doom'd to know the worst, And break at once-or yield to song. I SAW THEE WEEP. 1. I SAW thee weep-the big bright tear And then methought it did appear I saw thee smile-the sapphire's blaze It could not match the living rays 2. As clouds from yonder sun receive A deep and mellow die, Which scarce the shade of coming eve Can banish from the sky, Those smiles unto the moodiest mind Their own pure joy impart; Their sunshine leaves a glow behind That lightens o'er the heart. THY DAYS ARE DONE. 1. THY days are done, thy fame begun; Thy country's strains record The triumphs of her chosen Son, The slaughters of his sword! The deeds he did, the fields he won, The freedom he restored! 2. Though thou art fall'n, while we are free Thou shalt not taste of death! The generous blood that flow'd from thee Disdain'd to sink beneath : Within our veins its currents be, Thy spirit on our breath! |