1

In the dark Earth his body lies —
Deep hid from mortal sight;
Clos'd, ever clos'd, those beaming eyes —
That gave me such delight.

2

Cold as the turf that covers him —
He whom the parent mourns;
Corruption triumphs o'er each limb —
And dust to dust returns.

3

O with what rapture viewed we all —
His sweet, his manly form;
Ah, could we think so soon he'd fall —
A victim to the worm.

4

And yet that body cloth'd a mind —
That with devotion glow'd;
And could no solid pleasure find —
But in the love of God.

5

And yet those eyes so mildly bright —
Trac'd out creation's laws;
And guided by celestial light —
Discern'd th'Almighty Cause.

6

And yet that form display'd a Soul —
In every grace complete;
Which every passion could control —
Serene, sublimely great.

7

Is then my dear loved son no more? —
Ah yes! he lives above;
No longer then, fond heart, deplore —
The loss of filial love.