She died--as die the roses
On the ruddy clouds of dawn,
When the envious sun discloses
His flame, and morning 's gone.
She died--like waves of sun-glow
Fast by the shadows chased:
She died--like heaven's rainbow
By gushing showers effaced.
She died--like flakes appearing
On the shore beside the sea;
Thy snow as bright! but, nearing,
The ground-swell broke on thee.
She died--as dies the glory
Of music's sweetest swell:
She died--as dies the story
When the best is still to tell.
She died--as dies moon-beaming
When scowls the rayless wave:
She died--like sweetest dreaming,
That hastens to its grave.
She died--and died she early:
Heaven wearied for its own.
As the dipping sun, my Mary,
Thy morning ray went down!