Most fiercely waged for many a lingering year,
And envied by her sisters, far less fair.—
She bends above the bier, her lovely face
All sad and drawn and piteous in its grief.—
And as she looks upon the face serene
In death, her tears fall thick and fast upon
It. "Oh my friend, my true and only friend.—
When others were most cruel, thou wert most kind;
When others made my life a misery,
From thee I heard no unkind word, or blame."
"My friend! My more than friend! Oh woe is me!
Thou wert too noble to oppress the weak,
Or persecute! Thy pity was too vast!"
"Farewell my friend; a long farewell! Farewell—
And may the gods protect thy noble soul!"
And envied by her sisters, far less fair.—
She bends above the bier, her lovely face
All sad and drawn and piteous in its grief.—
And as she looks upon the face serene
In death, her tears fall thick and fast upon
It. "Oh my friend, my true and only friend.—
When others were most cruel, thou wert most kind;
When others made my life a misery,
From thee I heard no unkind word, or blame."
"My friend! My more than friend! Oh woe is me!
Thou wert too noble to oppress the weak,
Or persecute! Thy pity was too vast!"
"Farewell my friend; a long farewell! Farewell—
And may the gods protect thy noble soul!"
44
