TO A REDBREAST–(IN SICKNESS)
STAY, little cheerful Robin! stay, And at my casement sing, Though it should prove a farewell lay And this our parting spring. Though I, alas! may ne’er enjoy The promise in thy song; A charm, ‘that’ thought can not destroy, Doth to thy strain belong. Methinks that in my dying hour Thy song would still be dear, 10 And with a more than earthly power My passing Spirit cheer. Then, little Bird, this boon confer, Come, and my requiem sing, Nor fail to be the harbinger Of everlasting Spring. 1842.