BETA

The Ladye Anne.

The Ladye Anne hath fixed her gaze upon the leaden
sky,1
A bright flush mantles o’er her cheek, yet death lurks in
her eye ;2
And she will see but once again the young spring flow’rets
bloom,3
For when the summer roses fade, they’ll fade upon her
tomb,4
Roses never more will be5
Gathered, Ladye Anne, by thee.6
The Ladye Anne she listeneth to sadly-chiming bells,7
Chiming in the ivied tower down mid the brakes and
dells.8
Perchance she thinketh of the hours when she was wont
to play9
With fawns and conies ’mong the ferns throughout the
summer day.10
Slow and sad those bells will be11
Tolling, Ladye Anne, for thee.12
The Ladye Anne is passing fair, and she hath wealth and
fame,13
And youth and all earth’s choicest gifts adorn her
ancient name ;14
And yet she grieveth not to leave her heritage below,15
Nor casts a fond and lingering look upon the glittering
show.16
Earthly joys have ceased to be17
Cherished, Lady Anne, by thee.18
The Ladye Anne doth recognise an awful Presence nigh,19
A shadow dread her footsteps tracks with stern fidelity ;20
Yet with a placid smile she greets the ghastly cold
embrace,21
Though oft an icy breath dispels the bright flush from
her face.22
Death himself appears to be23
Welcome, Ladye Anne, to thee.24
The Ladye Anne hath been beloved, and she hath loved
again—25
’Tis a tale of lamentation sung unto a holy strain ;26
For one stands on the unknown shore, and beckons her
to come,27
And share the eternal Sabbaths of a glorious starry home,28
Home on earth no more to be29
Rest, oh Lady Anne, for thee !30
C. A. M. W.