 | Lays for the Dead |  |
45
LINES
ON THE DEATH OF AN AGED FRIEND,
Thou full of years? can I lament
That low thy silver'd head is laid?
Ah! no—since death in mercy sent,
To thee his brow in smiles array'd.
That low thy silver'd head is laid?
Ah! no—since death in mercy sent,
To thee his brow in smiles array'd.
No conflict thine, a peaceful end
To crown a virtuous life was given;
And death but seem'd a welcome friend,
To lead thy ransom'd soul to heaven.
To crown a virtuous life was given;
And death but seem'd a welcome friend,
To lead thy ransom'd soul to heaven.
And thou, my friend, whose filial care
Has planted on this lov'd one's grave
The rose she prized, to blossom there
When summer's genial breezes wave.
Has planted on this lov'd one's grave
The rose she prized, to blossom there
When summer's genial breezes wave.
46
Reflect, and bid regret remove,
That not by this fond act alone
Thy heart 's the seat of duteous love,
Its pious zeal to her has shewn.
That not by this fond act alone
Thy heart 's the seat of duteous love,
Its pious zeal to her has shewn.
Methinks attentions are like flowers,
Which in our homes to cheer us bloom;
And thine made glad her life's long hours
And cheer'd her pathway to the tomb!
Which in our homes to cheer us bloom;
And thine made glad her life's long hours
And cheer'd her pathway to the tomb!
| Lays for the Dead | |