Threnody of the Pines

By William Hamilton Hayne (1856–1929)

For the Passing of Their Poet, Sidney Lanier.

THE GUARDIAN pines upon the hill

Were strangely motionless and chill,

As if they drew his last loved breath

From the uplifted wings of Death….

And now their mingled voices say:

“The passing of a soul away,—

“The tenderest of the sons of men,—

Our dead King Arthur of the pen!

“Oh, kindred of the sea and shore,

Our grief is yours for evermore!

“His body lieth cold and still,

For Death has triumphed on the hill.”