How can you bid this heart be blithe, <br />When blithe this heart can never be? <br />I've lost the jewel from my crown - <br />Look round our circle, and you'll see <br />That there is ane out o' the ring <br />Who never can forgotten be - <br />Ay, there's a blank at my right hand, <br />That ne'er can be made up to me! <br /> <br />'Tis said, as water wears the rock, <br />That time wears out the deepest line; <br />It may be true wi' hearts enow, <br />But never can apply to mine. <br />For I have learn'd to know and feel - <br />Though losses should forgotten be - <br />That still the blank at my right hand <br />Can never be made up to me! <br /> <br />I blame not Providence's sway, <br />For I have many joys beside; <br />And fain would I in grateful way <br />Enjoy the same, whate'er betide. <br />A mortal thing should ne'er repine, <br />But stoop to supreme decree; <br />Yet oh! the blank at my right hand <br />Can never be made up to me.<br /><br />James Hogg<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-father-s-lament/
