Slumbering darkly yesterday,

As in deathly sweats I lay,

And two roses fiery red

On my faded cheeks were spread—

On my brow perchance a ray

Of Death’s pallor trembling lay.

And I prayed and longed for death.

Then I heard a sobbing breath....

I unclosed my weary eyes

And beheld my mother’s tears—

Saw those priceless pearls arise,

Tokens of her love, her fears.

In her heart what grief she bore!

And I was that anguish sore.

Ah, I raged tempestuously,

That black torrent outward leapt1:—

God of mercy, pardon me,

For the tears my mother wept!