Oh, you did sense
my voice had lost its lustre
my smile held back
my thoughts were far-

oh, you did observe
there was a spectre in my eyes
my hands in light tremour
my stifled sighs

oh,  you did shudder
as I answered-- 'I can't sing
any more- though a tenor-
no melody could I bring'

oh, you and I in such dire
hours as shadows of fear
hover over- your voice trembles too
as though the end were drawing near.