Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume III. Sorrow and Consolation. 1904. | | | | VI. Consolation | | “Thou art gone to the grave” | | Reginald Heber (1783–1826) |
| | | THOU art gone to the grave—but we will not deplore thee, | |
| Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb; | |
| The Saviour has passed through its portals before thee, | |
| And the lamp of His love is thy guide through the gloom. | |
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| Thou art gone to the grave—we no longer behold thee, | 5 |
| Nor tread the rough path of the world by thy side; | |
| But the wide arms of mercy are spread to enfold thee, | |
| And sinners may hope, since the Sinless has died. | |
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| Thou art gone to the grave—and, its mansion forsaking, | |
| Perhaps thy tried spirit in doubt lingered long, | 10 |
| But the sunshine of heaven beamed bright on thy waking, | |
| And the song which thou heard’st was the seraphim’s song. | |
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| Thou art gone to the grave—but ’t were wrong to deplore thee, | |
| When God was thy ransom, thy guardian, thy guide; | |
| He gave thee, and took thee, and soon will restore thee, | 15 |
| Where death hath no sting, since the Saviour hath died. | | | | |
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