Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
Elegy
By Lewis William Mansfield (18161898)T
The light comes softly, seeking for my love;
Through all the silent rooms, day after day,—
And goes up sorrowing to its home above.
It steps so softly through the open doors,
Where all day long the maple-shadows swing,
Alike as speechless, o’er the vacant floors.
Patient and sad, but hopeful as before,
It still comes seeking that which is not here,
The dear bright face which we shall see no more.
Or may not guess,—the mute and wondering light,—
That she hath gone now where the lilies blow,
By living waters, far beyond the Night.
With harp and crowns and white robes,—close by Him,
Thy master,—thou wilt surely find a new
And glad young angel with the cherubim.
With glories which we saw not; and her brow
Crowned with the light which Jesus gives,—a light
Burning and radiant and immortal now.