Page:The Forest Sanctuary.pdf/189

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LAYS OF MANY LANDS.
183

Dim grows the semblance on man's heart impress'd—
—Come near, and bear the beautiful to rest!

    Ye weep, and it is well!
For tears befit earth's partings!—Yesterday
Song was upon the lips of this pale clay,
    And sunshine seem'd to dwell
Where'er he mov'd—the welcome and the bless'd!
—Now gaze! and bear the silent unto rest!

    Look yet on him, whose eye
Meets yours no more, in sadness or in mirth!
Was he not fair amidst the sons of earth,
    The beings born to die?
—But not where death has power may love be bless'd—
Come near! and bear ye the belov'd to rest!

    How may the mother's heart
Dwell on her son, and dare to hope again?
The spring's rich promise hath been given in vain,
    The lovely must depart!
Is he not gone, our brightest and our best?
Come near! and bear the early-call'd to rest!

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