Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912.
Secretary of the Boston Young Men’s Anti-Slavery SocietyJohn Greenleaf Whittier 1807–1892
John Greenleaf Whittier74 Lines on the Death of S. O. Torrey
G
To the spirit-land!
Vainly look we for another
In thy place to stand.
Who shall offer youth and beauty
On the wasting shrine
Of a stern and lofty duty,
With a faith like thine?
Who again shall see? Who amidst the solemn meeting Gaze again on thee?— Who, when peril gathers o’er us, Wear so calm a brow? Who, with evil men before us, So serene as thou? Brother of our love! Autumn’s faded earth around thee, And its storms above! Evermore that turf lie lightly, And, with future showers, O’er thy slumbers fresh and brightly Blow the summer flowers! Not a silvery streak; Nor a line of sorrow’s tracing On thy fair young cheek; Eyes of light and lips of roses, Such as Hylas wore— Over all that curtain closes, Which shall rise no more! Round that grave of thine, Mournfully, like Jazer weeping Over Sibmah’s vine,— Will the pleasant memories, swelling Gentle hearts, of thee, In the spirit’s distant dwelling All unheeded be? From its journeyings, back; If the immortal ever traces O’er its mortal track; Wilt thou not, O brother, meet us Sometimes on our way, And, in hours of sadness, greet us As a spirit may? In the spirit-land! Vainly look we for another In thy place to stand. Unto Truth and Freedom giving All thy early powers, Be thy virtues with the living, And thy spirit ours!