Classic Poem

In a dream I saw my beloved one,
A woman of fears and care.
How haggard—ah me! how faded,
The form that was once so fair.

She bore in her arms an infant,
Another dragged at her dress;
In gait, and look, and clothing,
Were want and wretchedness.

She tottered across the market
And there we met once more;
She looked at me, and calmly
I spoke, though my heart was sore

“Come with me to my dwelling,
For thou art pale and ill;
And meat and drink will I find thee
By constant work and skill.

“And I will tend and foster
The children thou hast borne,
And thyself above all others,
Thyself, poor child forlorn!

“But that I loved thee dearly;
That secret I will keep;
And only when thou diest
I'll come to thy grave and weep!”