I SAW them laughing, smiling gladly, -- I saw them ruin'd utterly; I heard them weeping, dying sadly, -- And yet I utter'd not a sigh. Each corpse I as a mourner follow'd, Yea, to the churchyard follow'd I, And then -- with appetite I swallow'd, My noontide meal, I'll not deny. I now recall that band long perish'd, With feelings sadden'd and oppress'd: Like sudden glowing love once cherish'd They strangely storm within my breast. And most 'tis Juliet's tears so burning That in my memory spring to light; My sadness turns to ceaseless yearning, I call upon her day and night. In feverish dreams, with soft emotion The faded flower oft comes again; Methinks a posthumous devotion To my love's glow it offers then. O gentle phantom, clasp me often With strong and ever stronger power; Unto my lips press thine, and soften The bitterness of this last hour. |