| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 133. Near the Lake |
| | | By George Pope Morris |
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| NEAR the lake where drooped the willow, | |
| Long time ago! | |
| Where the rock threw back the billow, | |
| Brighter than snow, | |
| Dwelt a maid, beloved and cherished | 5 |
| By high and low; | |
| But with autumn’s leaf she perished, | |
| Long time ago! | |
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| Rock and tree and flowing water, | |
| Long time ago! | 10 |
| Bee and bird and blossom taught her | |
| Love’s spell to know. | |
| While to my fond words she listened, | |
| Murmuring low, | |
| Tenderly her dove-eyes glistened, | 15 |
| Long time ago! | |
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| Mingled were our hearts forever, | |
| Long time ago! | |
| Can I now forget her?—Never! | |
| No—lost one—no! | 20 |
| To her grave these tears are given, | |
| Ever to flow: | |
| She ’s the star I missed from heaven, | |
| Long time ago! | |
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