“BY A BLEST HUSBAND GUIDED, MARY CAME”
BY a blest Husband guided, Mary came From nearest kindred, Vernon her new name; She came, though meek of soul, in seemly pride Of happiness and hope, a youthful Bride. O dread reverse! if aught ‘be’ so, which proves That God will chasten whom he dearly loves. Faith bore her up through pains in mercy given, And troubles that were each a step to Heaven: Two Babes were laid in earth before she died; A third now slumbers at the Mother’s side; 10 Its Sister-twin survives, whose smiles afford A trembling solace to her widowed Lord. Reader! if to thy bosom cling the pain Of recent sorrow combated in vain; Or if thy cherished grief have failed to thwart Time still intent on his insidious part, Lulling the mourner’s best good thoughts asleep, Pilfering regrets we would, but cannot, keep; Bear with Him–judge ‘Him’ gently who makes known His bitter loss by this memorial Stone; 20 And pray that in his faithful breast the grace Of resignation find a hallowed place. 1835.