After Death

Lyrics

The curtains were half drawn, the floor was swept         And strewn with rushes, rosemary and may         Lay thick upon the bed on which I lay, Where through the lattice ivy-shadows crept. He leaned above me, thinking that I slept         And could not hear him; but I heard him say:         "Poor child, poor child": and as he turned away Came a deep silence, and I knew he wept. He did not touch the shroud, or raise the fold         That hid my face, or take my hand in his,                 Or ruffle the smooth pillows for my head:                 He did not love me living; but once dead         He pitied me; and very sweet it is To know he still is warm though I am cold.