Page:Felicia Hemans in The Amulet 1827.pdf/8



"He told of far and sunny lands which lie    Beyond the dust wherein our fathers dwell, Bright must they be! for there are none that die,     And none that weep, and none that say, 'Farewell!' He came to guide us thither,—but away The happy called him, and he might not stay.

"We saw him slowly fade—athirst, perchance,    For the fresh waters of that lovely clime; Yet was there still a sunbeam in his glance,     And on his gleaming hair no touch of time: Therefore we hoped—but now the lake looks dim, For the green summer comes—and finds not Him.

"We gather'd round him in the dewy hour    Of one still morn, beneath his chosen tree; From his clear voice at first the words of power     Came low, like moanings of a distant sea; But swelled, and shook the wilderness ere long, As if the spirit of the breeze grew strong.

"And then once more they trembled on his tongue,    And his white eyelids fluttered, and his head Fell back, and mists upon his forehead hung—     Know'st thou not how we pass to join the dead? It is enough!—he sank upon my breast,— Our friend that loved us, he was gone to rest!