The Visit of Death

O Youth, so loved and faithless!
You've covered me with grief,
You mind not my heart breaking
Nor care to give relief.

How great shall be your shaming
If you save me not from blaming,
Who swore upon the Manual
To leave me not in grief.

Death will come to seek you
A short half-hour ere day,
And for each guileful action
He'll make you strictly pay.

In the small room, lying lonely,
The white shroud round you only,
How gladly you'd do penance
If then found a way?

I was a happy maiden,
With gladness in my voice;
You brought the sorrow with you —
No more can I rejoice.

And now, since you're forsaking,
And your path from me are taking,
If I die through your heart-breaking
How black will seem your choice!

I'd manage all your household
With skilful hand so well,
Your hose, and shirt, and raiment
Would be fairest in the dell.

If care or cloud hung o'er you
To youth I would restore you —
wed me, and the Glory
Of God shall with us dwell!

I had once no lack of clothing,
Of food, or dwelling place,
I earned good fame and found it
Among my kindred race:

Nor could Gall or Gael upbraid me
Till your false voice — it betrayed me.
But the Envoy I send with you
Is the Most High King of Grace!

My love! my heart's own neighbour!
How deep to-night my woe,
How dark I'll be to-morrow
When you from me will go!

You've broke death's wall before me
The grave's cold breath blows o'er me,
Yet take one kiss my Darling!
Before you leave me, so.