Page:Felicia Hemans in The New Monthly Magazine Volume 19 1827.pdf/8



Too much! for all about thee spread, I feel the memory of the dead, And almost linger for the feet That never more my step shall meet.

The looks, the smiles,—all vanish'd now, Follow me where thy roses blow; The echoes of kind household words Are with me midst thy singing-birds.

Till my heart dies, it dies away In yearnings for what might not stay; For love which ne'er deceived my trust, For all which went with "dust to dust!"

What now is left me, but to raise From thee, lorn spot! my spirit's gaze, To lift through tears my straining eye Up to my Father's House on high?

Oh! many are the mansions there,* But not in one hath grief a share! No haunting shades from things gone by May there o'ersweep th' unchanging sky.

And they are there, whose long-loved mien In earthly home no more is seen; Whose places, where they smiling sate, Are left unto us desolate.

We miss them when the board is spread, We miss them when the prayer is said; Upon our dreams their dying eyes In still and mournful fondness rise.

But they are where these longings vain Trouble no more the heart and brain; The sadness of this aching love Dims not our Father's House above.

Ye are at rest, and I in tears.† Ye dwellers of immortal spheres! Under the poplar boughs I stand, And mourn the broken household band.

But by your life of lowly faith, And by your joyful hope in death, Guide me, till on some brighter shore, The sever'd wreath is bound once more.

Holy ye were, and good, and true! No change can cloud my thoughts of you. Guide me like you to live and die, And reach my Father's House on high!F. H.