Classic Poem

'Tis Thanatos, the dread indeed!
He comes upon a pale white steed;
I know the trample of his horse;
He comes to ravish me by force.
He has me now! To leave Matilda so!—
My heart can scarce conceive such utter woe.

She who was wife and child in one
Will orphan, widow, be anon,
When to the shadowy land I pass!
Here, in this world alone, alas!
I leave my wife, my child, who lay
Trusting and true upon my heart, her stay.

Ye angels, hearken from on high!
O hear my pleading, hear my cry!
The wife I love protect and save,
When I am in the dreary grave.
Guard her, for she is like you, pure and fair;
Take my poor child Matilda to your care!

By all the tears that, grieved in heaven,
To mortal sorrows ye have given,
By the dread word pronounced, when known,
In shuddering fear by priests alone,
By your own loveliness and mercy mild,
Ye angels, guard Matilda, guard my child!