In Memoriam

Obiit 1854. HEAVEN rest thee! We shall go about today In our festal garlands gay; Whatsoever robes we wear Not a trace of black be there. Well, what matters? none is seen On thy daisy covering green, Or thy pure white pillow, hid Underneath a cofin lid. Heaven rest thee! Heaven take thee!-- Ay, heaven only. Sleeps beneath One who died a virgin death: Died so slowly, day by day, That it scarcely seemed decay, Till this lonely churchyard kind Opened,--and we left behind Nothing but a little dust;-- Heaven is pitiful and just: Heaven take thee! Heaven keep thee: Nevermore above the ground Be one relic of thee found: Lay the turf so smooth, we crave, None would guess it was a grave, Save for grass that greener grows, Or for wind that gentlier blows All the earth o'er, from this spot Where thou wert--and thou art not. Heaven keep thee!