I saw a mother give wine to her boy- br The rain-drops fall and fall: br The pride of his parents, a household joy, br A mother's blessing, her all. br br I saw the cheek of the youth grow red- br The rain falls over the lea: br The light of his eye shone like jewels, they said: br It spoke of ruin to me. br br I saw the youth drink again and again- br The rain falls heavy and fast: br I saw the mother's brow furrowed with pain, br She was reaping her harvest at last. br br I saw the youth go staggering by- br The rain-drops beat and beat: br Dulled was the light of his beautiful eye; br I saw him fall in the street. br br I heard the rabble cry, 'Shame! oh! shame!' br The rain-drops sob and sob: br I heard the drunkard's once-honored name br Shouted aloud by the mob. br br I saw the youth carried home to his door- br The rain-drops sob and sigh: br Saw the friends shun him, who sought him before, br Saw him sink lower, and die. br br I saw the stone that bore only his name- br The rain-drops mutter and rave: br I saw the mother with sorrow and shame br Bowed to the brink of the grave.