Classic Poem

IN REMEMBRANCE OF M. B. M .

For her sweet sake consent to call death fair,
However woful it may seem to-day;
Over the aching heart no mourning wear,
And from her peace cast noisy gloom away.

What strength was shut within that flower-like form!
How largely did she conquer self and ill!
Both thought and tears must take the soul by storm,
At what her heart endured ere it was still.

When such as she give up their patient breath,
All sorrow into aspiration turns;
Life comes to be the dearest friend of death,
And, spite of fear, with holy passion burns.

Then give her now her will, nor call death dread,
Nor through the earth's thick silence try to grope;
Her lovely being still is near, not dead:
So strong with life are memory and hope.