THE BRIDGE OF SIGHS

Drowned! Drowned ! "-llamiet.

One more Unfortunate,

   Weary of breath,

Rashly importunate,

   Gone to her death!

Take her up tenderly,

    Lift her with care,­

Fashioned so slenderly,

 Young, and so fair!

Look at her garments

 Clinging like cerements;

    Whilst the wave constantly

Drips from her clothing; .

    Take her up instantly,

Loving, not loathing.

Touch her not scornfully;

Think of her mournfnlly,

Gently and humanly;

Not of the stains of her.

All that remains of her

Now is pure womanly.

Make no deep scrutiny

Into hoc mutiny

Rash and undutiful:

Past all dishonor,

Death has left on her

Only the beautiful.

Who was her father?

   Who was her mother?

Had she a sister?

Had she a brother?

Or was there a dearer one

Still, and a nearer one

Yet, than all other?

Alas! for the rarity

 Of Christian charity

Under the sun!

Oh! it was pitiful!

Near a whole city full,

   Home she had none.

Where the lamps quiver

So far in the river,

With many a light

From window and casement,

From garret to basement,

She stood with amazement,

Houseless by night.

Take her up tenderly,

   Lift her with care;

Fashioned so slenderly,

Young, and so fair!

Owning her weakness,

    Her evil behavior,

And leaving, with meekness,

Her sins to her Saviour!

Thomas Hood.