For works with similar titles, see A Lament.
A LAMENT
AS some lone traveller in a weary land
Is suddenly encompassed by the night,
No ray of moon, nor stars, nor friendly hand
Is there, to guide his failing footsteps right.
Is suddenly encompassed by the night,
No ray of moon, nor stars, nor friendly hand
Is there, to guide his failing footsteps right.
High on the stilly air he sends a cry,
Haply to reach a passing stranger's ear;
Silence now ghostly is his sole reply,
Blindly he stumbles on the pathway drear.
So I, bereft of my life's kindly sun,
Am 'wildered in the shadow great Death casts,
Stretch out vain hands—Alas! Beloved one,
No shelter can I find from sorrow's blasts.
Haply to reach a passing stranger's ear;
Silence now ghostly is his sole reply,
Blindly he stumbles on the pathway drear.
So I, bereft of my life's kindly sun,
Am 'wildered in the shadow great Death casts,
Stretch out vain hands—Alas! Beloved one,
No shelter can I find from sorrow's blasts.
So now I pray that Death will set me free,
To find the way to Paradise and Thee!
To find the way to Paradise and Thee!