THE bark that held a prince went down, The sweeping waves rolled on; And what was England's glorious crown To him that wept a son? 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 around his throne, The stately and the brave; But which could fill the place of one, That one beneath the wave? 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 tourney'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! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...APOLLO AT LAX by KAREN SWENSON THE BISHOP ORDERS HIS TOMB AT SAINT PRAXED'S CHURCH by ROBERT BROWNING THE CHILD ALONE: 3. MY KINGDOM by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON LEE TO THE REAR [MAY 12, 1864] by JOHN REUBEN THOMPSON THE WHITE BIRDS by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS CEREMONIAL ODE; INTENDED FOR A UNIVERSITY by LASCELLES ABERCROMBIE |