"Three there were that left my cot; <br />Two are here, and one is not; <br />Why does Willie linger? Say, can you tell?" <br /> <br />"He was weary by the way; <br />When we came he could but stay <br />In the shady grove at Sweet Echo Dell." <br /> <br />Echo Dell! (Echo Dell!) Echo Dell! (Echo Dell!) <br />It was there we softly said "Farewell!" ("Farewell!") <br />And the towering granite crest <br />Nobly guards his place rest, <br />Near the lovely lake of Sweet Echo Dell. <br /> <br />"Is he laden well with gold? <br />Does he bring me wealth untold? <br />Why then does he linger? Say can you tell?" <br /> <br />"All his treasures are above; <br />All he sent you was his love, <br />With a whispered prayer from Sweet Echo Dell." <br /> <br />Coming homeward, does he sing <br />Like a lark upon the wing? <br />Why then does he linger? Say, can you tell?" <br /> <br />Naught is heard but rippling waves, <br />Warbling birds, and shouting braves; <br />Silent is his voice in Sweet Echo Dell." <br /> <br />"Is he coming by-and-by? <br />May I bless him ere I die? <br />Why then does he linger? Say, can you tell?" <br /> <br />"Mirrored in that mountain lake, <br />Heaven is near, and he will wake <br />Never elsewhere than in Sweet Echo Dell." <br /> <br />"Would you crush my only joy? <br />Surely I shall meet my boy; <br />When then does he linger? Say, can you tell?" <br /> <br />"Never will his weary feet <br />Travel more, yet may soon meet <br />When your soul floats over Sweet Echo Dell."<br /><br />Henry Clay Work<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sweet-echo-dell/
