Alas! for the rarity Sisterly, brotherly, Feelings had changed: Even God's providence Where the lamps quiver So far in the river, With many a light From window and casement, From garret to basement, She stood with amazement Houseless by night. The bleak winds of March. Made her tremble and shiver; But not the dark arch, Or the black flowing river. Mad from life's history Take her up tenderly, Lift her with care; My labor never flags; And what are its wages? A bed of straw, A crust of bread, — and rags. That shattered roof, - and this naked floor, And a wall so blank, my shadow I thank For sometimes falling there! As prisoners work for crime! Band, and gusset, and seam, Seam, and gusset, and band, Till the heart is sick, and the brain benumbed, As well as the weary hand. When the weather is warm and bright; While underneath the eaves The brooding swallows cling, As if to show me their sunny backs, |