The Orphan - Letitia Elizabeth Landon

Lyrics

Alone, alone! - no other face Wears kindred smile, kindred line; And yet they say my mother's eyes They say my father's brow, is mine; And either had rejected to see The other's likeness in my face But now it is a stranger's eye That finds some long forgotten trace I heard them name my father's death His home and tomb alike the wave; And I was early taught to weep Beside my youthful mother's grave I wish I could recall one look, - But only one familiar tone; If I had aught of memory I should not feel so all alone My heart is gone beyond the grave In search of love I cannot find Till I could fancy soothing words Are whisper'd by the ev'ning wind: I gaze upon the watching stars So clear, so beautiful above Till I could dream they look on me With something of an answering love My mother! does thy gentle eye Look from those distant stars on me? Or does the wind at ev'ning bear A message to thy child from thee? Dost thou pine for me, as I pine Again a parent's love to share? I often kneel beside thy grave And pray to be a sleeper there The vesper bell! - 'tis eventide I will not weep, but I will pray: God of the fatherless, 'tis Thou Alone canst be the orphan's stay! Earth's meanest flower, heaven's mightiest star Are equal to their Maker's love And I can say, 'Thy will be done,' With eyes that fix their hopes above