The Death of Virtuous

Sweet is the scene when Virtue dies!— When sinks a righteous soul to rest, How mildly beam the closing eyes, How gently heaves the' expiring breast! So fades a summer cloud away; So sinks the gale when storms are o'er; So gently shuts the eye of day; So dies a wave along the shore. Triumphant smiles the victor brow, Fanned by some angel's purple wing;— Where is, O Grave! thy victory now? And where, insidious Death! thy sting? Farewell, conflicting joys and fears, Where light and shade alternate dwell; How bright the' unchanging morn appears! Farewell, inconstant world, Farewell! Its duty done,—as sinks the clay, Light from its load the spirit flies; While heaven and earth combine to say, “Sweet is the scene when Virtue dies!”