Stanzas
Oh, weep not, love! each tear that springsIn those dear eyes of thine,To me a keener suffering bringsThan if they flowed from mine.
And do not droop! however drearThe 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 frailFor 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 faceThe storms that threaten me.
Fear not for me—I’ve steeled my mindSorrow 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 revereMy sire, but fear not me—Believe that Death alone can tearThis faithful heart from thee.