  ’Twas only the voice of a stranger, But never through all the years Have I heard a tone so pleading, So unutterably full of tears. I looked, and I never have seen A face so touchingly sad; Surely all hope had flown away, Never again to be glad. His eye had a far-away look, And a shadow of nameless pain; A patient, pathetic gaze, That never would smile again. What was it, oh, thou tearful voice? Was fortune against thee arrayed? Did all hope and trust flee away? Was thy love and friendship betrayed? ’Twas only a meek, worn stranger, All alone on life’s highway, So patiently moving onward To the close of a weary day. Ah, me! but my eyes were blinded, And never through all the years Was my heart so moved for another, Oh, desolate voice of tears! |
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