A Mother-Song

Mother, O mother! forever I cry for you,         Sing the old song I may never forget;      Even in slumber I murmur and sigh for you. -         Mother, O mother,             Sing low, "Little brother,      Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!"      Mother, O mother! the years are so lonely,         Filled but with weariness, doubt and regret!      Can't you come back to me - for to-night only,         Mother, my mother,             And sing, "Little brother,      Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!"      Mother, O mother! of old I had never         One wish denied me, nor trouble to fret;      Now - must I cry out all vainly forever, -         Mother, sweet mother,             O sing, "Little brother,      Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!"      Mother, O mother! must longing and sorrow         Leave me in darkness, with eyes ever wet,      And never the hope of a meeting to-morrow?         Answer me, mother,             And sing, "Little brother,      Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!"