O weep not, love! each tear that springs br In those dear eyes of thine, br To me a keener suffering brings br Than if they flowed from mine. br And do not droop! however drear br The fate awaiting thee. br For my sake, combat pain and care, br And cherish life for me! br br I do not fear thy love will fail, br Thy faith is true I know; br But O! my love! thy strength is frail br For such a life of woe. br br Were't not for this, I well could trace br (Though banished long from thee) br Life's rugged path, and boldly face br The storms that threaten me. br br Fear not for me -­ I've steeled my mind br Sorrow and strife to greet, br Joy with my love I leave behind, br Care with my friends I meet. br br A mother's sad reproachful eye, br A father's scowling brow -­ br But he may frown, and she may sigh; br I will not break my vow! br br I love my mother, I revere br My sire, but doubt not me. br Believe that Death alone can tear br This faithful heart from thee.