HE NEVER SMILED AGAIN


The bark that held the prince went down,

The sweeping waves rolled on;

And what was England's glorious crown

To him that wept a son?

He lived, for life may long be borne

Ere sorrow breaks its chain:

Why comes not death to those who mourn?

He never smiled again.



There stood proud forms before his throne,

The stately and th
brave;

But who could fill the place of one,--

That one beneath the wave?

Before him passed the young and fair,

In pleasure's reckless train;

But seas dashed o'er his son's bright hair--

He never smiled again.



He sat where festal bowls went round;

He heard the minstrel sing;

He saw the tour-ney's victor crowned

Amid the knightly ring.

A murmur of the restless deep

Was blent with every strain,

A voice of winds that would not sleep--

He never smiled again.



Hearts, in that time, closed o'er the trace

Of vows once fondly poured,

And strangers took the kins-man's place

At many a joyous board;

Graves which true love had bathed with tears

Were left to heaven's bright rain;

Fresh hopes were born for other years--

_He_ never smiled again!



More

;