My Soul Is Dark

My soul is dark - oh quickly string

The harp I yet brook to hear

And let thy gentle fingers fling

It's melting murmurs o'er mine ear

If in this heart a hope be dear,

That sound shall charm it forth again

If in these eyes there lurk a tear

Twill flow and cease to burn my brain

But bid the strain be wild and deep

Nor let thy notes of joy be first

I tell thee minstrel, I must weep

Or else this heavy heart will burst

For it hath been by sorrow nursed

And ached in sleepless silence long

And now 'tis doomed to know the worst

And break at once or yield to song