Maiden, though thy heart may quail
And thy quivering lip grow pale,
Read the Bellman’s tragic tale!
Is it life of which it tells?
Of a pulse that sinks and swells
Never lacking chime of bells?
Bells of sorrow, bells of cheer,
Easter, Christmas, glad New Year,
Still they sound, afar, anear.
So may Life’s sweet bells for thee,
In the summers yet to be,
Evermore make melody!
Aug. 15, 1876.