Classic Poem

Long my anxious ear hath listend
For the step that neer returned
And my tearful eye hath glistened
And my heart hath inly burned
But now I rest

Natures self seemed clothed in mourning
Even the starlike wood[l]and flower
With its leaflets fair adorning
Pathway of the Forest Bower
Drooped its head

From the Cavern of the mountain
From the groves that crowned the hill
From the stream & from the fountain
Sounds prophetic murmured still
Betokening greif

Boding winds came fitful sighing
Throug[h] the tall & leafy trees
Birds of omen wildly crying
Sent their yells upon the breeze
Wailing round me

At each sound I paled & trembled
At each step I raised my head
Hearkening if it his resembled
Or if news that he was dead
Were come from far

All my days were days of weeping
Thoughts of grim despair were stirred
Time on leaden feet seemed creeping
Long heart-sickness hope deferred
Cankered my heart