The old house by the lindens br Stood silent in the shade, br And on the gravelled pathway br The light and shadow played. br br I saw the nursery windows br Wide open to the air; br But the faces of the children, br They were no longer there. br br The large Newfoundland house-dog br Was standing by the door; br He looked for his little playmates, br Who would return no more. br br They walked not under the lindens, br They played not in the hall; br But shadow, and silence, and sadness br Were hanging over all.