Page:Life and Select Literary Remains of Sam Houston of Texas (1884).djvu/273

 Almost two years had passed away, And winter looked upon my flowers With meaning smile that seemed to say, "I bring no vine-wreath for your bowers,"

No spring bird's song, nor summer breeze, Nor leaves of autumn's glowing hue. To throw around my lone, bare trees; But winter has its offering too.

And oh! the brightest rose there lay Upon his hand! " It is thine own." He whispered, as he passed away, "Oh, guard it well, the fragile one."

My beauteous gifts! fiow carefully Their tender branches I must train! That each fair plant on earth may be A household joy! And yet in vain

My fondest care without that aid The blessed Lord alone can give. Father! these earthly blooms must fade. But let their souls before Thee live.

My buds of innocence in time Be formed to bloom beyond the skies. Within the cloudless spirit's clime Unfading flowers of Paradise.

, Texas, March 14, 1856.—

After the death of Gen. Houston Mrs. Houston returned to their former residence at Independence, Texas, for the purpose of educating her children in Baylor University and Baylor Female College. Her health was much impaired by asthma, still she availed herself of all opportunities of doing good, and signalized her sympathy with the suffering and dying during the prevalence of yellow fever and kindred diseases in Texas in the summer and fall of 1867. Just at the close of that season she was herself prostrated by disease, of which, in entire resignation to the Divine will, she died December 3, 1867, leaving a noble example of a blameless and useful life to her children, who survived her.

Gen. Houston's remains are buried at Huntsville, while Mrs. Houston's remains are buried alongside of those of her mother, at Independence, Texas. A simple, small, plain slab is placed over the hero's grave, with these words: "Gen. Sam Houston, born March 2, 1793. Died July 26, 1863." Nothing as yet signalizes the spot where the remains of his companion lie.