Classic Poem

Dust receive thy kindred!
Earth take now thine own!
To thee this trust is rendered;
In thee this seed is sown.

Guard the precious treasure,
Ever-faithful tomb!
Keep it all unrifled,
Till the Master come.

Time's tide of change and uproar
Breaks above thy head;
Feet of restless millions
O'er thy chambers tread.

Earthquakes, whirlwinds, tempests,
Tear the quivering ground;
Voices, trumpets, thunders,
Fill the air around.

Roar of raging battle;
Shout, and shriek, and wail,
Startle even the bravest,
Turn the fresh cheek pale.

Torrent rolled on torrent,
Bursts o'er bank and bar,—
Sweeping down our valleys,
Swells the rising war.

Billow meeting billow,
Beats the shattered strand,
Rousing ocean-echoes,
Shaking sea and land.

But these sounds of terror
Pierce not this low tomb;
Nor break the happy slumbers
Of this quiet home.

Couch of the tranquil slumbers
For the weary brow;
Rest of the faint and toiling,
Take this loved one now.

Turf of the shaded church-yard,
Warder of the clay,
Watch the toil-worn sleeper,
Till the awaking day.

Watch the well-loved sleeper,
Guard that placid form;
Fold around it gently;
Shield it from alarm.

Clasp it kindly, fondly,
To cherish, not destroy;
Clasp it as the mother
Clasps her nestling joy.

Guard the precious treasure,
Ever faithful tomb;
Keep it all unrifled
Till the Master come.