SLUMBERING darkly yesterday,
As in deathly sweats I lay,
And two roses fiery red
On my faded cheeks were spread--
On my brow perchance a ray
Of Death's pallor trembling lay.
And I prayed and longed for death.
Then I heard a sobbing breath . . .
I unclosed my weary eyes
And beheld my mother's tears--
Saw those priceless pearls arise,
Tokens of her love, her fears.
In her heart what grief she bore!
And I was that anguish sore.
Ah, I raged tempestuously,
That black torrent outward leapt:--
God of mercy, pardon me,
For the tears my mother wept!