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<h2>Norma</h2> A Legend of the Wayne Highlands Along the lake's wild northern shore An island dark with trees Lies shadow-like, and o'er and o'er At midnight thru a leafy door Comes music on the breeze, Sweet music on the breeze, Where sad-eyed Norma dreams, And o'er the wave, in thru the trees The mellow moonlight streams. And Norma's voice is sweet to hear As the breathing of a bell; But while so welcome to the ear Of any one afar or near, The notes, O few can tell! The notes, O few can tell! Falling so wildly sweet, [Pg 19] Like the mournful ringing of a bell With the tones still incomplete. How came this maid upon the isle Within the Hills of Wayne? Why sings she sweetly all the while As if to ease her self-denial? Why sings she a refrain At the lonely midnight hour On an island dark with trees, Enchanting souls unto her bower By such sweet melodies? The legend runs:—That long ago A lover came to woo, But left her—why?—(no man doth know) For while her love like wine did flow Away from her he drew— He drew from her away, While she was left forlorn And ever (so the legends say) Did daily for him mourn. But Norma left her home one night When all were fast asleep And angel-like she trod the light Moonpath across the waters bright Until she ceased to weep, Until she ceased to weep, Singing a sweet, sweet song That on the lake that lay asleep The night-wind did prolong. And after Norma's death, one day A knock at her father's door Announced the lad who went away When both were lovers young and gay, Who now would love her more Than any other maid, Yes, any other maid, [Pg 20] Saying, O where is Norma now, Where is my sweetheart now? O Youth, my daughter is not here— She waited, waited long To hear the voice she held more dear Than all the rest—nor could we cheer Her with another song; But many hear her sing By the island,—sing so sweet That never, never can they bring The song to me complete. The lover sadly turned away And vowed that he would know The song complete e'er dawn of day And followed where the moonpath lay Upon the lake below, Where Norma sang of love On the island dark with trees That cast deep shadows on the cove, And his heart was ill at ease. At midnight o'er the moonlit wave He bent his little boat, Till he heard the song the soft winds gave, But if his life that song might save, He could not tell a note! He could not learn a note! Tho' many, and many, and many a night In the lovely moonpath gleaming bright He listened from his boat. But the song he never, never knew Altho' he listened long, And so it is—is ever true When hearts withhold a love long due; For Love sings one sweet song, One sweet familiar song, At thy heart's door today, And knocking, waits, but waiting long Forever turns away. [Pg 21]   <div style="break-after:column;"></div>

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