| |
| COME near!—ere yet the dust | |
| Soil the bright paleness of the settled brow | |
| Look on your brother; and embrace him now, | |
| In still and solemn trust! | |
| Come near!—once more let kindred lips be press’d | 5 |
| On his cold cheek; then bear him to his rest!… | |
| |
| Ye weep, and it is well! | |
| For tears befit earth’s partings!—Yesterday, | |
| Song was upon the lips of this pale clay, | |
| And sunshine seem’d to dwell | 10 |
| Where’er he moved—the welcome and the bless’d!— | |
| Now gaze! and bear the silent unto rest!… | |
| |
| Look on him! Is he laid | |
| To slumber from the harvest or the chase?— | |
| Too still and sad the smile upon his face; | 15 |
| Yet that, even that must fade: | |
| Death holds not long unchanged his fairest guest. | |
| Come near! and bear the mortal to his rest! | |
| |
| His voice of mirth hath ceased | |
| Amidst the vineyards! there is left no place | 20 |
| For him whose dust receives your vain embrace, | |
| At the gay bridal-feast! | |
| Earth must take earth to moulder on her breast. | |
| Come near! weep o’er him! bear him to his rest. | |
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