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Andrew Macphail, comp. The Book of Sorrow. 1916.

From ‘The Widow on Windermere side’

William Wordsworth (1770–1850)

[See full text.]

THE MOTHER mourned, nor ceased her tears to flow,

Till a winter’s noon-day placed her buried Son

Before her eyes, last child of many gone—

His raiment of angelic white, and lo!

His very feet bright as the dazzling snow

Which they are touching; yea far brighter, even

As that which comes, or seems to come, from heaven,

Surpasses aught these elements can show.

Much she rejoiced, trusting that from that hour

Whate’er befell she could not grieve or pine;

But the Transfigured, in and out of season,

Appeared, and spiritual presence gained a power

Over material forms that mastered reason.

Oh, gracious Heaven, in pity make her thine!