The Husband of the widow care for her, The Father of the fatherless: The faithful Friend, the abiding Comforter, Watch over her to bless. Full twenty years of blameless married faith, Of love and honour questioned not, Joys, griefs imparted: for the first time Death Sunders the common lot. Christ help the desolate Queen upon her throne, Strengthen her hands, confirm her heart: For she henceforth must bear a load alone Borne until now in part. Christ help the desolate Woman in her home, Broken of heart, indeed bereft; Shrinking from solitary days to come, Beggared tho' much is left. Rise up, O Sons and Daughters of the Dead, Weep with your Mother where she weeps; Yet not as sorrowing without hope be shed Your tears: he only sleeps. Rise up, O Sons and Daughters of the realm, In pale reflected sorrow move; Revere the widowed hand that holds the helm, Love her with double love. In royal patience of her soul possess'd May she fulfill her length of days: Then may her children rise and call her bless'd, Then may her husband praise. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EPITAPH IN BALLADE FORM by FRANCOIS VILLON ON MY JOYFUL DEPARTURE FROM THE CITY OF COLOGNE by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE CORINNA'S GOING A-MAYING by ROBERT HERRICK INDEPENDENCE by HENRY DAVID THOREAU FALL PLOWING by EVA K. ANGLESBURG PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 19. AL-FATTA'H by EDWIN ARNOLD |