99 



Rt. Rev. Wm. Quarter 



We might not kneel beside him at the last. 



To win a blessing from his soul to ours, 

 Ere the Dark Angel's pinions o'er him past, 



In the dim silence of the midnight hours; 

 No word of parting on our hearts might sink, 



To still, of sorrows, this the deepest one, 

 Yet may we triumph in our woe to think 



His latest whisper was, "They will be done!" 



Yes! on our sorrow breaks a fervent tone, 



An inward breathing to the spirit borne. 

 Far thro' the shadow is a star-beam thrown, 



To lead us upward to the clime of morn; 

 There led his pathway through the midnight veil, 



Unto the fulness of a Love Divine; 

 Now may Faith's whisper, thrilling low, prevail 



O'er earthly conflict, with a heavenly sign. 



And yet, oh, Father! we have lost in thee 



All that which language has no power to name : 



For us thy heart beat true and fervently- 

 Through change, and coldness, thou wert still the same. 



Now are our souls supremely desolate, 



Since gone the presence and smile that blest, 



And wo! for those on whom the chastening weight 

 Falls like a shadow, long and dim, to rest. 



Yet thou — within thy soul's effulgent realm. 



Know'st not the sadness thro' our spirit breathed; 

 But vain! oh vain! its clouding to o'erwhclm 



They blessed memory unto us bequeathed ; 

 With those who loved thee it shall be a spell 



Of holy influence shrined within the heart. 

 Uplifting thought from earth, and earth's farewell, 



To the eternal dwelling where thou art. 



M. A. M. 



