Classic Poem

We sit, with mourning hearts, beneath the shadow
Which darkens now our home,
And look with longing eyes to that bright region
Where shadows never come.

We think of her, now from our side departed,
In Christian hope and trust:
Gentle and lovely, pure and earnest-hearted,
She dwells among the just.

Through summer's long, bright days she lingered with us;
Then, with the falling leaf,
She faded from our sight, and heaven's garner
Received a ripened sheaf.

Love watched unceasingly beside her pillow;
And prayer went up on high,
That she might ride triumphant o'er death's billow,
When beckoned to the sky.

We look to Thee, who hast in wisdom taken
That which thy love hath given:
Our faith in thy dear love shall be unshaken,
Till we meet her in heaven.

Bless Thou the husband from his chosen severed;
Guide Thou their darling's feet;
And in the Christian's long and blest hereafter
Give them again to meet.

Oh! soothe each heart by this bereavement stricken, —
The brothers, sisters, here,
And that dear brother for our country toiling,
A patriot young and dear.

We leave our prayer with Thee, O gentle Saviour!
Who once wept by a grave:
Come as the Comforter to all our spirits,
And point us o'er the wave!