 | Later Lays and Lyrics |  |
MEMORIAL LINES.
I.
Again the moon of bursting flowersDecks like a bride the landscape fair;
How jubilant the fall of showers—
How full of balm the bracing air!
But night-clouds on my soul descend,
Though outward nature is aglow,
While thinking of a youthful friend
Who perished one brief year ago.
II.
Commanding view of wood and wave,Broad level mead and breezy hill,
I stood beside the verdant grave
Where slept his ashes hushed and still;
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So picturesque, retired and sweet,
Where blossoms breathed “forget him not.”
Had hallowed been by angel feet.
III.
I doubt not that a martyr's crownHe wears amidst the Heavenly Host,
By fearful accident cut down
While braving death at Duty's post.
O stricken father! mourn no more!
The mystic river he has crossed,
And sainted ones upon the shore
Have crowned thy boy, too early lost.
IV.
Though sailing on a troubled sea,The blissful port of peace is near,
And promises vouchsafed to thee
A Christian mariner should cheer.
There will the parted meet again,
Hand clasped to hand and face to face,
Thy noble boy, bewailed in vain,
With clasping arms thy neck embrace.
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