The Sigh

  1. 1When Youth his faery reign began
  2. 2Ere Sorrow had proclaim'd me man;
  3. 3While Peace the present hour beguil'd,
  4. 4And all the lovely Prospect smil'd;
  5. 5Then Mary! 'mid my lightsome glee
  6. 6I heav'd the painless Sigh for thee.
  1. 7And when, along the waves of woe,
  2. 8My harass'd Heart was doom'd to know
  3. 9The frantic burst of Outrage keen,
  4. 10And the slow Pang that gnaws unseen;
  5. 11Then shipwreck'd on Life's stormy sea
  6. 12I heaved an anguish'd Sigh for thee!
  1. 13But soon Reflection's power imprest
  2. 14A stiller sadness on my breast;
  3. 15And sickly Hope with waning eye
  4. 16Was well content to droop and die:
  5. 17I yielded to the stern decree,
  6. 18Yet heav'd a languid Sigh for thee!
  1. 19And though in distant climes to roam,
  2. 20A wanderer from my native home,
  3. 21I fain would soothe the sense of Care,
  4. 22And lull to sleep the Joys that were!
  5. 23Thy Image may not banish'd be--
  6. 24Still, Mary! still I sigh for thee.