Stanzas

Oh, weep not, love! each tear that springs
⁠In those dear eyes of thine,
To me a keener suffering brings,
⁠Than if they flowed from mine.

And do not droop! however drear
⁠The fate awaiting thee;
For my sake combat pain and care,
⁠And cherish life for me!

I do not fear thy love will fail;
⁠Thy faith is true, I know;
But, oh, my love! thy strength is frail
⁠For such a life of woe.

Were 't not for this, I well could trace
⁠(Though banished long from thee,)
Life's rugged path, and boldly face
⁠The storms that threaten me.

Fear not for me—I've steeled my mind
⁠Sorrow and strife to greet;
Joy with my love I leave behind,
⁠Care with my friends I meet.

A mother's sad reproachful eye,
⁠A father's scowling brow—
But he may frown and she may sigh:
⁠I will not break my vow!

I love my mother, I revere
⁠My sire, but fear not me—
Believe that Death alone can tear
⁠This faithful heart from thee.