Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Thomas Lovell Beddoes 1803–49

Songs from “The Brides’ Tragedy.” I. Hesperus Sings

Beddoes

POOR old pilgrim Misery,

Beneath the silent moon he sate,

A-listening to the screech owl’s cry

And the cold wind’s goblin prate;

Beside him lay his staff of yew

With wither’d willow twin’d,

His scant gray hair all wet with dew,

His cheeks with grief ybrin’d;

And his cry it was ever, alack!

Alack, and woe is me!

Anon a wanton imp astray

His piteous moaning hears,

And from his bosom steals away

His rosary of tears:

With his plunder fled that urchin elf,

And hid it in your eyes;

Then tell me back the stolen pelf,

Give up the lawless prize;

Or your cry shall be ever, alack!

Alack, and woe is me!