The bark that held a prince went down,1
The sweeping waves rolled on ;2
And what was England’s glorious crown3
To him that wept a son ?4
He lived—for life may long be borne5
Ere sorrow break its chain ;6
Why comes not death to those who mourn ?7
He never smiled again.8
There stood proud forms around his throne,9
The stately and the brave ;10
But what could fill the place of one,11
That one beneath the wave ?12
Before him passed the young and fair,13
In pleasure’s reckless train ;14
But seas dashed o’er his son’s bright hair—15
He never smiled again !16
He sat where festal bowls went round,17
He heard the minstrel sing,18
He saw the tourney’s victory crowned19
Amidst the knightly ring ;20
A murmur of the restless deep21
Was blent with every strain,22
A voice of winds that could not sleep—23
He never smiled again !24
Hearts in that time closed o’er the trace25
Of vows once fondly poured,26
And strangers took the kinsman’s place27
At many a joyous board.28
Graves, which true love had bathed with tears,29
Were left to heaven’s bright rain ;30
Fresh hopes were born for other years—31
He never smiled again !32