Page:The Domestic Affections, and Other Poems.pdf/179



With rapture's flame, the parting soul illume, And smile triumphant thro' the shadowy gloom!

Oh! still be near! when, darting into day, Th' exulting spirit leaves her bonds of clay; Be yours to guide her flutt'ring wing on high, O'er many a world, ascending to the sky! There let your presence, once her earthly joy, Tho' dimm'd with tears, and clouded with alloy; Now form her bliss on that celestial shore, Where death shall sever kindred hearts no more!

Yes! in the noon of that Elysian clime, Beyond the sphere of anguish, death, or time; Where mind's bright eye, with renovated fire, Shall beam on glories—never to expire; Oh! there, th' illumin'd soul may fondly trust, More pure, more perfect, rising from the dust;