TO ANNE ON HER BIRTHDAY

Let mirth and joy a season reign

And sorrow flee away

Sadness were perfect sin it is

My Anne's natal day

And now a birthday rhyme for her

This sister of my own

Accept the song then for my sake

Sister and only one

So long we've lived together here

Our hopes and fears the same

Like two of autumn's last grown leaves

Last of our race and name

The past we know its grief and joy

Its pleasure and its pain

But know not what may happen ere

Your birthday comes again

Shall we be cradled in the deep

Beneath the briny wave?

Or shall the white deer lightly bound

Over my forest grave?

Or living yet divided far

With lands and seas between

And sorrow reigning in the hearts

Where childhood's joy has been

The future's sealed we know it not

But wander where we will

On this broad earth we shall remain

Lone loving sisters still