University of Virginia Library

DEATH IN CHILDBIRTH.

Sweet Martyr of thine Infant and thy Love,
O what a death is thine!
Is this to die? Then, Love, henceforth approve
This, this of all thy gifts the most divine!
Grave she needs not: Matrons, cover
Her white bed with flowers all over;
With the dark, cool violets swathing
A full bosom mother-hearted;
Under lily shadows bathing
Brows whose anguish hath departed.

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Life with others, Death with thee
Plays a grave game smilingly—
O Death not Death! through worlds of bliss
The happy new-born Soul is straying!
O Death not Death! thy Babe in this,
An Angel on the earth, is playing!