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John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892). The Poetical Works in Four Volumes. 1892.

Occasional Poems

Eva

  • Suggested by Mrs. Stowe’s tale of Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and written when the characters in the tale were realities by the fireside of countless American homes.


  • DRY the tears for holy Eva,

    With the blessed angels leave her;

    Of the form so soft and fair

    Give to earth the tender care.

    For the golden locks of Eva

    Let the sunny south-land give her

    Flowery pillow of repose,

    Orange-bloom and budding rose.

    In the better home of Eva

    Let the shining ones receive her,

    With the welcome-voicëd psalm,

    Harp of gold and waving palm!

    All is light and peace with Eva;

    There the darkness cometh never;

    Tears are wiped, and fetters fall,

    And the Lord is all in all.

    Weep no more for happy Eva,

    Wrong and sin no more shall grieve her;

    Care and pain and weariness

    Lost in love so measureless.

    Gentle Eva, loving Eva,

    Child confessor, true believer,

    Listener at the Master’s knee,

    “Suffer such to come to me.”

    Oh, for faith like thine, sweet Eva.

    Lighting all the solemn river,

    And the blessings of the poor

    Wafting to the heavenly shore!

    1852.