Page:Maryland, my Maryland, and other poems - Randall - 1908.pdf/182

 Lord! I am in the Vale of Death!
 * No beacon burns within;

Send me a vision of my child
 * To break the spell of sin.

Bid her come as a bird and say:
 * “Mother, look up and see

How I aim saved for endless joy—
 * Sweet mother! follow me!

“Had I remained upon the earth,
 * As you so fiercely prayed,

There would have come a dismal fate
 * To grieve your little maid.

Sorrow and sickness and despair
 * Would toss my soul about,

Till I should live a life of pain
 * And die the death of doubt.

“Christ, in His mercy and His love,
 * Has spared your darling this,

Giving instead a home divine
 * And everlasting bliss.

Lo! He has bid me fly to you,
 * And in the twilight dim,

Reveal how I was called away
 * To lead you on to Him!