University of Virginia Library


169

DEATH

Death that healest the weary,
Descend thou upon me,
Dividing life's days dreary
With surge of sea.
Lo! my spirit's summer
Fades, is past and gone:
O thou swift sure comer,
Speed thou on!
Not one love abideth;
No more roses gleam;
Time all loves derideth,
Every dream.

170

Not one woman waits now,
Not one love avails;
At thine awful gates now
Passion pales.
Lo! through the unbroken
Silence comes thy voice,
Sweet, of silvery token,
Saying, “Rejoice.
“If no roses wait thee,
Lo! I, death, am here.
What if life's heart hate thee?
Be of cheer!
“If no bright buds yonder
Flame upon the hill,
Through my meads, soul, wander
At thy will.
“If no lips be tender,
Am not I thy queen?
Hath not my mouth splendour
Soft, serene?

171

“Underneath my pinion,
Weary, be at rest;
In calm death-dominion;
This is best.
“Never wake to sorrow,
Sorrow never more;
Dread not, child, the morrow:
Life is o'er.”
1880.