Lays of Ancient Virginia

Undo the life of Pain.
I one time saw a laughing mirth
Leap in the maiden's eyes,
And thought the too aspiring earth
Had robbed the jewelled skies,
Of one bright angel, even her:
She made my very being stir.

I ne'er saw sweet Frankie's mother,

What I had glowed to see,
Yet think no mortal earth's another,

Bore child so fair as she.
I ween that mother was a queen

In royal qualities,
And in her lofty eyes and mien,

Lurked lovely majesties.
I ne'er saw sweet Frankie's mother,

What I had glowed to see;
But cannot, long-lost mother! smother

The love that swells for thee.

When Frankie came into this world,

In lovely Elfindale,
The winds were lulled, and waves lay curled,

Beneath the moonlight pale:
The cold stars twinkled far above,
And danced, with their bright eyes of love;
The gleaming waters did rejoice,
And breathed a s