Chain Of Pearls

Mother, I shall weave a chain of pearls for thy neck 

with my tears of sorrow. 

The stars have wrought their anklets of light to deck thy feet, 

but mine will hang upon thy breast. 

Wealth and fame come from thee 

and it is for thee to give or to withhold them. 

But this my sorrow is absolutely mine own, 

and when I bring it to thee as my offering 

thou rewardest me with thy grace.