In a dungeon dark and deep
A captive the Knight is laid.
Shame on the faithless slave
Who the gallant band betrayed!
Oh worse than death to feel
Time steal on day by day!—
To feel our youth and strength
Passing like shadows away!
The light of the glorious sun
Through the iron bars came dim;
It was as if it shone
For all the earth save him.
There were but the dark walls,
There was but the small damp court,
Which seemed as if only made
For the newt's and bat's resort.
But one day—was it a dream?—
He saw, mid the sullen mould,
As planted by magic, a flower
Its small blue leaves unfold.
He knew the FORGET ME NOT:
It was as a hope from Above;
It seemed like a messenger
Who came to tell of his love.
That night he heard light feet,
Like silver music's fall,
And he saw a lamp's red light
Upon his dungeon-wall;
And he heard a gentle voice,
Like the south wind steal on his ear;
He looked, and the phœnix Hope
Sprang up from the ashes of Fear.
His own Maiden stood by his side—
What will not Love essay?—
And, touching the lock of his chains,
Whispered "Away!—away!"
Page:Forget Me Not 1844.pdf/4
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