University of Virginia Library

A reflection on hearing the Bell at the interment of a neighbour.

That sound e'er long shall mark the solemn hour
When this weak frame, inanimate and cold,
By fellow mortals borne, shall be consign'd
To its dark mansion in the silent grave.
Perhaps, the sigh of tender grief shall heave,
The tear of friendship flow: in sable clad,
Perhaps surviving relatives will move
In slow procession to the house of death;
While sad reflection speaks—“Behold your home!”
But what avails or friendship's tenderest tear,
Or sorrow's deepest groan, or sable robes,
Or all the sad solemnity of woe
Which grief, or custom waste on senseless clay?
Where will my spirit be?—O ye kind few!
Whose faithful hearts shall mourn the friend you lov'd,
Whose thoughts, while nature prompts the tender sigh,
Shall rise, perhaps, beyond the gloomy scene,
By cheerful hope invited, and pursue
That part which cannot die—assist me now!
Now while your love may profit, teach my heart
All that your brighter hope or stronger faith
Hath seen or tasted of the joys to come!
The inevitable hour demands it all.
Lead me! O lead me to that sovereign balm
For death's keen pang, that only antidote
Against the mortal poison, blood divine!
Lead me—ah no—that dear, almighty friend,
Whose bleeding veins pour'd health and life and bliss
For wretches guilty, perishing, undone,
Alone can lead, support, and cheer my soul!
Jesus, my Lord, on thee my all depends,
My everlasting all! O let me feel,
In that dread hour when earthly comforts fail,
Thy love, sweet cordial to my fainting heart!
Infusing strength divine; its vital force
Shall bid me rise superior in the conflict
With nature's foe, and tune my quivering lips
To holy rapture! let thy glorious name,
My Lord, my Saviour, dwell upon my tongue!
While guardian angels join the blissful theme,
Till my glad spirit quits her house of clay,
And rises, with the messengers of heaven,
To join the blest assembly which thy love
Hath ransom'd, cleans'd, and rais'd beyond the reach
Of sin and death, in transports all unknown
To frail mortality! to join the song
For ever new, to thy almighty love.