by C. Swain.
Originally published in Bradshaw's Manchester Journal (Bradshaw & Blacklock) vol.1 #1 (01 May 1841).
The last kiss is given—the last adieu sigh'd—
The bridegroom's away with his beautiful bride.
Alone sits the father—alone in his years!
The mansion is silent, the old man in tears!
He thinks of her sweetness, which sooth'd ev'ry care,
And he fondly looks up, as expecting her there.
Ah! when was the time he such sorrow had shown,
And she came not?—but now the old man weeps alone.
And could she remember his fondness, that threw
Fresh flowers o'er her path every moment she knew—
That granted each wish her light heart could prefer—
Who in the wide world had but her—only her!
Oh, nature! how strange and unfeeling appears
This breaking of all the affections of years,
For one who a summer ago was unknown!
Yet that one has her heart: the old man weeps alone!
No, not for a crown—as an emperor's bride—
Had I quitted a father's affectionate side!
I'd thought on his evenings, long, lonely, and dim,
And priz'd not a love unconnected with him;
Deem'd the one who'd have sooth'd not my father's decline
(Howe'er he might love me) unworthy of mine;
Nor chang'd the affections 'neath which I had grown,
Nor left a fond father, old, cheerless, and lone!