University of Virginia Library

On Seeing The Portrait of Helen Ruthven Waterston

Gazing on some higher sphere,
Far, far off, and yet so near!
Thou dost join, with mortal's sight,
Angel's vision clear and bright.
Not with vain and curious eye
Dost thou gaze beyond the sky;
But with warm admiring look,
As if thou its life partook;
And to thee were here foreshown
Scenes to earthly minds unknown.
Yet, as mortal, thou dost gaze
Far beyond the solar blaze;
And with love, unmixed with fear,
Dost behold heaven's portals near!
Who would thee on earth detain?
Our sad loss, thy happy gain;
In the many mansions fair,
Which the Savior doth prepare;
Parents, child, again shall meet,
Joy unclouded, bliss complete!