"HERE rests in God." 'T is all we read; The mouldering stone reveals no more. "In God." Of other words what need? These span the broad eternal shore. O'erladen with its starry blooms, A jasmine bush conceals the mound, Neglected in the place of tombs, With spicy, golden sweetness crowned. And deep within its leafy breast Some tuneful bird has sought a home, The tiny brood within the nest Fearless and free to go and come. A holy quietude is here, Save where the happy birdling's song Breaks through the stillness pure and clear, And echoes the dark firs among. Sleep on, sleep on, thou pulseless heart, Where jasmine stars drop golden rain, From every troubled thought apart, Forgotten every earthly pain. Sleep on; thy long repose is sweet, Tender and cool thy grassy sod. O traveller! stay thy hurrying feet; Step softly here -- "he rests in God." |