Classic Poem

I.

She hath but passed to heaven. As if from sleep,
Sleep soft and peaceful, she awoke to find
Earth with its pangs and tears all left behind;
Rose her freed spirit up the airy steep;
On steady wing, beyond where pale stars keep
Their watch o'er mortal griefs, she upward sped,
Not lonely, but by sister spirits led,
To that dear home where eyes do never weep:

Strange rapture thrilled her there; and straight her note
With sweet accord swelled the eternal hymn
Of souls redeemed, led by the seraphim;
Whose echoes through the circling ages float:
Now living, conscious, pure as angels bright,
With God she dwells in everlasting light.

II.

Who would recall her to tread o'er again
The mortal path — from heaven's pure bliss recall?
The wish were weakness, though full oft must fall
Thick, blinding tears from eyes that once were fain
To catch her genial smile, ne'er sough' in vain;
Though many an hour fond hearts be sad and lone,
And miss, and yearn once more to drink, the tone
That lingers in the ear like some lost strain:
No — ye that loved her, now to heaven resign,
Nor wish her from that nobler life with drawn;
The night of grief shall pass; and with the morn
Shall come sweet memories; and a face divine
With all your worthiest thoughts shall seem to blend,
And a fair form your wandering steps attend.