Laura Lee

Why has thy merry face

Gone from my side,

Leaving each cherished place

Cheerless and void?

Why has the happy dream,

Blended with thee,

Passed like a flitting beam,

Sweet Laura Lee?

Far from all pleasure torn,

Sad and alone,

How doth my spirit mourn

While thou art gone!

How like a desert isle

Earth seems to me,

Robbed of thy sunny smile,

Sweet Laura Lee!

When will thy winning voice

Breathe on mine ear?

When will my heart rejoice,

Finding thee near?

When will we roam the plain

Joyous and free,

Never to part again,

Sweet Laura Lee?