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IV. BEFORE HE PASSED.

Before he passed from mortal view,
To where he sleeps beneath the yew,
He said, “Weep not; to thee I'll come,
If spirits ever leave that home
Through whose dark gates I go from you.”
How firm his promise well I knew;
So as he spake life sweeter grew,
And flowered again my heart in bloom,
Before he passed!
Alas! the sweet hope is not true;
He may not tread the avenue
That leadeth from the nether gloom;
Else would he come to this dear room.
I heard his vow,—God heard it too,
Before he passed!