University of Virginia Library


104

FREDERIC LAWRENCE KNOWLES

A gentle presence is removed,
The face and form of one beloved.
He in our revels bore his part,
He was a brother of the heart.
Before his gracious youth could pass
Its vision vanished from the glass.
The hand that for high merit strove
Returns no more the clasp of love.
But ere he passed, the sacred bays
Lent their deep meaning to his ways;
His glowing strophes did resound,
He lived and died, a poet crowned,
Happy to lisp with parting breath
A music that may challenge Death.