He Loves

HE loves! If the bygone yearsThine eyes have ever shedTears—bitter, unavailing tears,For one untimely dead—If in the eventide of lifeSad thoughts of her arise,Then let the memory of thy wifePlead for my boy—he dies!

He dies! If fondly laid asideIn some old cabinet,Memorials of thy long-dead brideLie, dearly treasured yet,Then let her hallowed bridal dress—Her little dainty gloves—Her withered flowers—her faded tress—Plead for my boy—he loves!