University of Virginia Library

On these and kindred thoughts intent I lay
In silence musing by my Comrade's side,
He also silent; when from out the heart
Of that profound abyss a solemn voice,
Or several voices in one solemn sound,
Was heard ascending; mournful, deep, and slow
The cadence, as of psalms—a funeral dirge!
We listened, looking down upon the hut,
But seeing no one: meanwhile from below
The strain continued, spiritual as before;
And now distinctly could I recognise
These words:—‘Shall in the grave thy love be known,
In death thy faithfulness?’—“God rest his soul!”
Said the old man, abruptly breaking silence,—
“He is departed, and finds peace at last!”