The bark that held a prince went down, The sweeping waves roll'd on;
And what was England's glorious crown To him that wept a son?
He lived—for life may long be borne Ere sorrow break its chain;—Why comes not death to those who mourn? —He never smiled again!
There stood proud forms around his throne, The stately and the brave,
But which could fill the place of one, That one beneath the wave?
Before him pass'd the young and fair, In pleasure's reckless train,
But seas dash'd o'er his son's bright hair— —He never smiled again!
He sat where festal bowls went round ; He heard the minstrel sing,
He saw the Tourney's victor crown'd, Amidst the knightly ring:
A murmur of the restless deep Was blent with every strain,
A voice of winds that would not sleep— —He never smiled again!
Hearts, in that time, clos'd o'er the trace Of vows once fondly pour'd,
And strangers took the kinsman's place At many a joyous board;
Graves, which true love had bath'd with tears, Were left to Heaven's bright rain,
Fresh hopes were born for other years— —He never smiled again!
It is recorded of Henry the First, that after the death of his son,
Prince William, who perished in a shipwreck off the coast of Normandy, he was never seen to smile.
