Nigh Unto Death.
Reading edition
The lady mother passed the live-long night Beside her bed whom sleep Deserted long. Delirium seized her, when she'd leap And clutch, as if she'd rend the bars so strong Which girt the windows round, and cry "More light!"
She wanted not more light herself, but he, Her knight, so true and brave, Filled all her soul. She thought she saw him drown yet none to save Him, bent an oar. Her brain burnt like a coal. She cried: "O let me go and plunge in yon dark sea!"
Weeks passed and still she only moaned and raved. Nor slept by night or day. One voice alone At last was found the fever's course to stay; 'Twas when she heard her faithful Eric's tone, When he in hot haste came and instant audience craved.