Poem by William Barnes

Mater Dolorosa

I'D a dream to-night
   As I fell asleep,
O! the touching sight
   Makes me still to weep:
Of my little lad,
Gone to leave me sad,
Ay, the child I had,
   But was not to keep.

As in heaven high,
   I my child did seek,
There in train came by
   Children fair and meek,
Each in lily white,
With a lamp alight;
Each was clear to sight,
   But they did not speak.

Then, a little sad,
Came my child in turn,
But the lamp he had,
   O it did not burn!
He, to clear my doubt,
Said, half turn'd about,
'Your tears put it out;
   Mother, never mourn.' 

1. First Collection. Sundry Pieces. Aunt’s Tantrums
2. Third Collection. Comen Hwome
3. Third Collection. Treat well you Wife
4. Third Collection. The Little Worold
5. Third Collection. The Neäme Letters

Madison Cawein Mater Dolorosa ("The nuns sing")

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