Chapter 36

a closet_.

_Lily_ (_running up to her mother_). Sing me a little song; please, mother dear.

[LILIA, _looking off her work, and thinking with fixed eyes for a few moments, sings_.]

SONG.

Once I was a child, Oimè! Full of frolic wild; Oimè! All the stars for glancing, All the earth for dancing; Oimè! Oimè!

When I ran about, Oimè! All the flowers came out, Oimè! Here and there like stray things, Just to be my playthings. Oimè! Oimè!

Mother's eyes were deep, Oimè! Never needing sleep. Oimè! Morning--they're above me! Eventide--they love me! Oimè! Oimè!

Father was so tall! Oimè! Stronger he than all! Oimè! On his arm he bore me, Queen of all before me. Oimè! Oimè!

Mother is asleep; Oimè! For her eyes so deep, Oimè! Grew so tired and aching, They could not keep waking. Oimè! Oimè!

Father, though so strong, Oimè! Laid him down along-- Oimè! By my mother sleeping; And they left me weeping, Oimè! Oimè!

Now nor bird, nor bee, Oimè! Ever sings to me! Oimè! Since they left me crying, All things have been dying. Oimè! Oimè!

[LILY _looks long in her mother's face, as if wondering what the song could be about; then turns away to the closet. After a little she comes running with a box in her hand_.]

_Lily_. O mother, mother! there's the old box I had So long ago, and all my cups and saucers, And the farm-house and cows.--Oh! some are broken. Father will mend them for me, I am sure. I'll ask him when he comes to-night--I will: He can do everything, you know, dear mother.