The Moonrays Lave

The moonrays lave in th' ocean's mirrored sky
Within a wood an outlaw heaves a sigh.
The grass .around not so much dewdrop shows
As from the eyes of that robber chief flows.

He leans upon an ax, with himself he
Communes and says: "And this became of me!
Sweet mother mine! Why did I not obey
The teachings which you gave me day by day!

I left your roof, I am a fugitive,
With thieves and highway robbers I now live.
Oh! What a shame! I am e'en now their chief,
The unsuspecting travelers bring to grief.

I'd leave this life and with my comrades break.
Alas! too late for me this course to take.
My mother 's dead... the old home desolate...
And tumbling down,... for me the gallows wait."