Page:Poems Cook.djvu/111

Death smiled, as he heard each earnest word:
"Nay, nay," said he, "be this work deferr'd;
I'll see thee again in a fleeting year,
And, if grief and devotion live on sincere,
I promise then thou shalt share the rest
Of the being now pluck'd from thy doting breast.
Then, if thou cravest the coffin and pall,
As thou dost this moment, my spear shall fall."
And Death fled, till Time on his rapid wing
Gave the hour that brought back the Skeleton King.

But the lover was ardently wooing again,
Kneeling in serfdom, and proud of his chain;
He had found an idol to adore,
Rarer than that he had worshipp'd before.
His step was gay, his laugh was loud,
As he led the way for the bridal crowd;
And his eyes still kept their joyous ray,
Though he went by the grave where his first love lay.
"Ha ha!" shouted Death, "tis passing clear,
That I am a guest not wanted here!"

The father was seen in his children's games
Kissing their flushed brows and blessing their names:
And his eye grew bright as he mark'd the charms
Of the boy at his knee, and the girl in his arms:
His voice rang out in the merry noise,
He was first in all their hopes and joys;
He ruled their sports in the setting sun,
Nor gave a thought to the missing one.
"Are ye ready?" cried Death, as he raised his dart:
"Nay! nay!" shriek'd the father, "in mercy depart!"

The friend again was quaffing the bowl,
Warmly pledging his faith and soul;
His bosom cherished with glowing pride
A stranger form that sat by his side;

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