Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By George PopeMorris

133 Near the Lake

NEAR the lake where drooped the willow,

Long time ago!

Where the rock threw back the billow,

Brighter than snow,

Dwelt a maid, beloved and cherished

By high and low;

But with autumn’s leaf she perished,

Long time ago!

Rock and tree and flowing water,

Long time ago!

Bee and bird and blossom taught her

Love’s spell to know.

While to my fond words she listened,

Murmuring low,

Tenderly her dove-eyes glistened,

Long time ago!

Mingled were our hearts forever,

Long time ago!

Can I now forget her?—Never!

No—lost one—no!

To her grave these tears are given,

Ever to flow:

She ’s the star I missed from heaven,

Long time ago!