Passing Away

Life's Vesper-bells are ringing In the temple of my heart, And yon sunset, sure, is singing 'Nunc dimittis -- Now depart!' Ah! the eve is golden-clouded, But to-morrow's sun shall shine On this weary body shrouded; But my soul doth not repine. 'Let me see the sun descending, I will see his light no more, For my life, this eve, is ending; And to-morrow on the shore That is fair, and white, and golden, I will meet my God; and ye Will forget not all the olden, Happy hours ye spent with me. 'I am glad that I am going; What a strange and sweet delight Is thro' all my being flowing When I know that, sure, to-night I will pass from earth and meet Him Whom I loved thro' all the years, Who will crown me when I greet Him, And will kiss away my tears. 'My last sun! haste! hurry westward! In the dark of this to-night My poor soul that hastens rest-ward `With the Lamb' will find the light; Death is coming -- and I hear him, Soft and stealthy cometh he; But I do not believe I fear him, God is now so close to me.' * * * * * Fell the daylight's fading glimmer On a face so wan and white; Brighter was his soul, while dimmer Grew the shadows of the night; And he died -- and God was near him; I knelt by him to forgive; And I sometimes seem to hear him Whisper -- 'Live as I did live.'