THOMAS HOOD

��The 'Death-bed

"VVTE watch'd her breathing thro* the night,

• * Her breathing soft and low,

As in her breast the wave of life Kept heaving to and fro.

So silently we seem'd to speak,

So slowly moved about, As we had lent her half our powers

To eke her living out.

Our very hopes belied our fears,

Our fears our hopes belied We thought her dying when she slept,

And sleeping when she died.

For when the morn came dim and sad

And chill with early showers, Her quiet eyelids closed she had

Another morn than ours.

The Bridge of Sighs

'JE more Unfortunate, Weary of breath, Rashly importunate, Gene to her death !

Take her up tenderly,

Lift her with care ; Fashion'd so slenderly

Young, and so fair!

�� �