Louise (Chandler) Moulton (1835–1908)

For a Picture by Elihu Vedder

SHE bends her lovely head to taste thy draught,

O thou stern Angel of the Darker Cup,

With thee to-night in the dim shades to sup,

Where all they be who from that cup have quaffed.

She had been glad in her own loveliness, and laughed

At Life’s strong enemies who lie in wait,

Had kept with golden youth her queenly state,

All unafraid of Sorrow’s threat’ning shaft.

Then human Grief found out her human heart,

And she was fain to go where pain is dumb;

So Thou wert welcome, Angel dread to see,

And she fares onward with thee, willingly,

To dwell where no man loves, no lovers part,—

Thus Grief that is makes welcome Death to come.