Classic Poem

X.

" I bore you in; with my own hand
I tended you long nights and days;
And heard with pride how all the land
Was ringing with your praise.

" But when your deepest wounds were well, —
This, Leon, is the saddest part, —
A lady came with witching spell,
And claimed you, hand and heart.

" She came in all her southern pride;
And, though she was as morning bright,
An Afric bondmaid at her side
Stooped like a starless night.

" She moved as she were monarch born,
And smiled her sweetest smile on you;
But scorned me with her lofty scorn,
Until I shrank from view.

" When you were gone, all hope had flown, —
Grief held to me her bitter crust;
My distaff droped, my loom o'erthrown
Lay trampled in the dust.