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