Classic Poem

Yesterday , when in slumber light and chill,
Drenched in cold sweats, upon my couch I lay,
While on my panting cheeks two roses burned
And on my brow sat mortal pallor gray, —

Then on my soul, athirst for love, there fell
My mother's sobs, who wept beside my bed.
When I unclosed my dim and weary eyes,
I saw her tears of pity o'er me shed.

I felt upon my face my mother's kiss,
A sacred last remembrance, on death's shore;
All her great sorrow in that kiss was breathed —
And it was I who caused her anguish sore!

Ah, then a tempest rose and shook my soul,
A storm of bitter grief, that blasts and sears;
Then I poured forth that torrent dark. My God,
Forgive me! I had seen my mother's tears.