Andrew Macphail, comp. The Book of Sorrow. 1916.
The Farewell to the DeadFelicia Dorothea Hemans (1793–1835)
C
Soil the bright paleness of the settled brow
Look on your brother; and embrace him now,
In still and solemn trust!
Come near!—once more let kindred lips be press’d
On his cold cheek; then bear him to his rest!…
For tears befit earth’s partings!—Yesterday,
Song was upon the lips of this pale clay,
And sunshine seem’d to dwell
Where’er he moved—the welcome and the bless’d!—
Now gaze! and bear the silent unto rest!…
To slumber from the harvest or the chase?—
Too still and sad the smile upon his face;
Yet that, even that must fade:
Death holds not long unchanged his fairest guest.
Come near! and bear the mortal to his rest!
Amidst the vineyards! there is left no place
For him whose dust receives your vain embrace,
At the gay bridal-feast!
Earth must take earth to moulder on her breast.
Come near! weep o’er him! bear him to his rest.