STANZASER.
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 droop1! 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 frail2 For such a life of woe3.
Were 't not for this, I well could trace (Though banished4 long from thee) Life's rugged5 path, and boldly face The storms that threaten me.
Fear not for me——I've steeled my mind Sorrow and strife6 to greet; Joy with my love I leave behind, Care with my friends I meet.
A mother's sad reproachful eye, A father's scowling7 brow—— But he may frown and she may sigh: I will not break my vow8!
I love my mother, I revere9 My sire, but fear not me—— Believe that Death alone can tear This faithful heart from thee.