“Wherefore dwell so sad and lonely, By the desolate sea-shore, With the melancholy surges Beating at your cottage door?
“You shall dwell beside the castle Shadowed by our ancient trees; And your life shall pass on gently, Cared for, and in rest and ease.”
“Lady, one who loved me dearly Sailed for distant lands away; And I wait here his returning Hopefully from day to day.
“To my door I bring my spinning, Watching every ship I see; Waiting, hoping, till the sunset Fades into the western sea.
“After sunset, at my casement, Still I place a signal light; He will see its well-known shining Should his ship return at night.
“Lady, see your infant smiling, With its flaxen curling hair — I remember when your mother Was a baby just as fair.
“I was watching then, and hoping: Years have brought great change to all; To my neighbours in their cottage, To you nobles at the hall.
“Not to me — for I am waiting, And the years have fled so fast, I must look at you to tell me That a weary time has past!
“When I hear a footstep coming On the shingle — years have fled — Yet amid a thousand others, I shall know his quick, light tread.
“When I hear ( to-night it may be ) Some one pausing at my door, I shall know the gay soft accents, Heard and welcomed oft before!
“So each day I am more hopeful, He may come before the night: Every sunset I feel surer He must come ere morning light.
“Then I thank you, noble lady, But I cannot do your will: Where he left me, he must find me. Waiting, watching, hoping, still!”
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