Mother, I shall weave a chain of pearls for thy neck br with my tears of sorrow. br br The stars have wrought their anklets of light to deck thy feet, br but mine will hang upon thy breast. br br Wealth and fame come from thee br and it is for thee to give or to withhold them. br But this my sorrow is absolutely mine own, br and when I bring it to thee as my offering br thou rewardest me with thy grace.