Classic Poem

The lady mother passed the live-long night
Beside her bed whom sleep
Deserted long.
Delirium seized her, when she'd leap
And clutch, as if she'd rend the bars so strong
Which girt the windows round, and cry "More light!"

She wanted not more light herself, but he,
Her knight, so true and brave,
Filled all her soul.
She thought she saw him drown yet none to save
Him, bent an oar. Her brain burnt like a coal.
She cried: "O let me go and plunge in yon dark sea!"

Weeks passed and still she only moaned and raved.
Nor slept by night or day.
One voice alone
At last was found the fever's course to stay;
'Twas when she heard her faithful Eric's tone,
When he in hot haste came and instant audience craved.