 | Sacred Verses, with Pictures |  |
[THE DAUGHTER OF JAIRUS]
“He had one only daughter, about twelve years of age,
and she lay a dying.”—Luke viii. 42.
Youthful maiden, beauty's flower,
Opening for thy summer hour,
Know there is a sadder death
Than this one, of parting breath.
First of all, in secret sins
The undying worm begins;
But when prayer is given o'er,
Then the pulse doth beat no more;
Next, when Faith in God's high will
Ceases, then the breath is still.
Soon Decay, with secret traces,
All the work of God effaces;
Yet awhile calm beauty lingers,
E'en beneath Death's silent fingers;
For the features still are fair,
You might think that life was there.
Now, before Corruption foul
Makes his bed in that dark soul,
Blest if love should thither lead
Christ, the Raiser of the dead.
Upon Him, with earnest call,
Cast thyself, thine all in all
Make Him; what though others scorn,
Mock, and laugh, or o'er thee mourn,
Life shall soon resume her seat,
Thou with Him shalt rise and eat.
| Sacred Verses, with Pictures | |