Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By William CullenBryant

95 The May Sun Sheds an Amber Light

THE MAY sun sheds an amber light

On new-leaved woods and lawns between;

But she who, with a smile more bright,

Welcomed and watched the springing green,

Is in her grave,

Low in her grave.

The fair white blossoms of the wood

In groups beside the pathway stand;

But one, the gentle and the good,

Who cropped them with a fairer hand,

Is in her grave,

Low in her grave.

Upon the woodland’s morning airs

The small birds’ mingled notes are flung;

But she, whose voice, more sweet than theirs,

Once bade me listen while they sung,

Is in her grave,

Low in her grave.

That music of the early year

Brings tears of anguish to my eyes;

My heart aches when the flowers appear;

For then I think of her who lies

Within her grave,

Low in her grave.