IF it be sad to speak of treasures gone, Of sainted genius called too soon away, Of light from this world taken, while it shone Yet kindling onward to the perfect day -- How shall our grief, if mournful these things be, Flow forth, O thou of many gifts! for thee? Hath not thy voice been here amongst us heard? And that deep soul of gentleness and power, Have we not felt its breath in every word Wont from thy lips as Hermon's dew to shower? Yes! in our hearts thy fervent thoughts have burned -- Of heaven they were, and thither have returned. How shall we mourn thee? With a lofty trust, Our life's immortal birthright from above! With a glad faith, whose eye, to track the just, Through shades and mysteries lifts a glance of love, And yet can weep! -- for nature thus deplores The friend that leaves us, though for happier shores. And one high tone of triumph o'er thy bier, One strain of solemn rapture, be allowed! Thou, that rejoicing on thy mid career, Not to decay, but unto death hast bowed, In those bright regions of the rising sun, Where victory ne'er a crown like thine had won. Praise! for yet one more name with power endowed To cheer and guide us, onward as we press; Yet one more image on the heart bestowed To dwell there, beautiful in holiness! Thine, Heber, thine! whose memory from the dead Shines as the star which to the Saviour led! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MADONNA OF THE EVENING FLOWERS by AMY LOWELL IDYLLS OF THE KING: GUINEVERE by ALFRED TENNYSON A MORNING HYMN by CHARLES WESLEY ON THE MANTLEPIECE by JAMES LANE ALLEN LILIES: 9. BENEATH LOFTIER STARS by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) THE MOTHER'S LAMENT by BERNARD BARTON HINC LACHRIMAE; OR THE AUTHOR TO AURORA: 1 by WILLIAM BOSWORTH |