University of Virginia Library

3207.

[If death my friend and me divide]

Sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. —iv. 13.

If death my friend and me divide,
Thou dost not, Lord, my sorrow chide,
Or frown my tears to see;
Restrain'd from passionate excess,
Thou bidd'st me mourn in calm distress
For them that rest in Thee.
I feel a strong immortal hope,
Which bears my mournful spirit up
Beneath its mountain-load:
Redeem'd from death, and grief, and pain,
I soon shall find my friend again
Within the arms of God.
Pass a few fleeting moments more,
And death the blessing shall restore
Which death hath snatch'd away;

92

For me Thou wilt the summons send,
And give me back my parted friend
In that eternal day.