II.

QUESTIONING.

Beneath the leafless trees alone I stand, Where we two stood in June. O loved one, where Are now the radiant hopes that filled the air, Circling around us swiftly like a band Of smiling sisters, clasping hand in hand? Dearer to me than all their visions fair This chill December night, so thou wert there. And hast thou sought with them some better land?

Would heaven be darkened for one form the less From the bright throng who in His love rejoice? From the celestial choir could not one voice, Sweeter than all the rest, be spared to bless My solitude? Say, dost thou sleep alone, Voiceless, beneath the unrelenting stone?