"^ EVENING THOUGHTS. 131 



Then, methinks, communion sweet 

 I'm holding with the loved twain — 

 Yes, then I see, and hear them too. 

 They're living by my side again. 



E'en the grave, that dreaded thing. 



Is to me a bond of union. 



For the spirit here and the spirits gone. 



For ever holds communion ; 



For seen and heard through conquer *ing faith — 



Seen by the spirit's inward eye ; 



It is only when laid in the grave. 



Departed friends are truly nigh. 



Then, ferryman, here is thy fare 



This also take I pray thee ; 



For to hold such silent converse. 



Thrice as much I'd freely pay thee : 



For though thou seest them not, old man. 



Close by my side in thy boat doth stand. 



Two dear strangers unknown to thee. 



Loved ones from the Phantom- Land. 



Ulo. 



EVENING THOUGHTS. 



'Tis sweet to gaze upon the evening's sky. 

 And watch each slowly dying streak of light. 



Till sable clouds obscure each lovely dye. 

 And wrap the Heav'n in one dark shroud from sight 



How lovely beams yon crimson -tinted west. 

 Hung with the golden tapestry of Heaven, 



Deck'd in the midst with Heav'ns effulgent crest. 

 Which God, to light this darksome world hath given. 



