University of Virginia Library

ON THE DEATH OF THE POET'S CHILD IN LONDON.

A solemn scene was here!
Absorb'd in anguish wild,
Weeping upon the bier
Of his departed child,
The father stood—parental grief was there—
He kiss'd the corse—a prey to sad despair.
O Death! O cruel Death!
In fearful garb array'd,
How could'st thou snatch the breath
Of this sweet babe, here laid!
See, see thy victim! on her cold pale face,
A smile yet dwells, though clasp'd in thy embrace.

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Clos'd are those sparkling eyes:
Fled is my baby's bloom;
Her cherub form now lies
Enshrouded for the tomb.
Martha is gone—has breath'd her last—her thread
Of life is spun—is snapp'd;—the babe is dead.
Angels! take her soul above,
And, as you bear her through the sky,
Sing a seraph's song of love,
A song of heav'nly harmony.
Now let celestial music sound,
Strike, strike the lyre! ye heav'nly choir!
Angelic music breathe around!