To the Sister of “Elia”

By Walter Savage Landor (1775–1864)

Mary Ann Lamb, sister of Charles and the object of his life-long devotion.

COMFORT thee, O thou mourner, yet awhile!

Again shall Elia’s smile

Refresh thy heart, where heart can ache no more.

What is it we deplore?

He leaves behind him, freed from griefs and years,

Far worthier things than tears.

The love of friends without a single foe:

Unequalled lot below!

His gentle soul, his genius, these are thine;

For these dost thou repine?

He may have left the lowly walks of men;

Left them he has; what then?

Are not his footsteps followed by the eyes

Of all the good and wise?

Tho’ the warm day is over, yet they seek

Upon the lofty peak

Of his pure mind the roseate light that glows

O’er death’s perennial snows.

Behold him! from the region of the blest

He speaks: he bids thee rest.