The Comforter

As I sat by my baby's bed

That's open to the sky,

There fluttered round and round my head

A radiant butterfly.

And as I wept — of hearts that ache

The saddest in the land —

It left a lily for my sake,

And lighted on my hand.

I watched it, oh, so quietly,

And though it rose and flew,

As if it fain would comfort me

It came and came anew.

Now, where my darling lies at rest,

I do not dare to sigh,

For look! there gleams upon my breast

A snow-white butterfly.