The Other One

Sweet little maid with winsome eyes   That laugh all day through the tangled hair; Gazing with baby looks so wise   Over the arm of the oaken chair,     Dearer than you is none to me,       Dearer than you there can be none;     Since in your laughing face I see       Eyes that tell of another one. Here where the firelight softly glows,   Sheltered and safe and snug and warm, What to you is the wind that blows,   Driving the sleet of the winter storm?     Round your head the ruddy light       Glints on the gold from your tresses spun,     But deep is the drifting snow to-night       Over the head of the other one. Hold me close as you sagely stand,   Watching the dying embers shine; Then shall I feel another hand   That nestled once in this hand of mine;     Poor little hand, so cold and chill,       Shut from the light of stars and sun,     Clasping the withered roses still       That hide the face of the sleeping one. Laugh, little maid, while laugh you may,   Sorrow comes to us all, I know; Better perhaps for her to stay   Under the robe of drifting snow.     Sing while you may your baby songs,       Sing till your baby days are done;     But oh the ache of the heart that longs       Night and day for the other one!