158 PEARLS AND PEBBLES. 



There was speechless despair when life's last rose had faded, 

 And thy death-darkened eyes with their cold lids were shaded,. 

 And thy young limbs were wrapped in the robes of the dead, 

 And forever consigned to their lone narrow bed. 



They mourned for the hope that affection had cherished ; 

 They saw it in dust, and they deemed it had perished ; 

 But they knew not that mercy directed the blow 

 That laid their beloved and beautiful low. 



Like the blossom that's plucked ere rude winds have profaned it,. 

 Or the snow-wreath that melts ere the soil has distained it, 

 Thou wert snatched from a world of corruption and strife, 

 And saved from the cares and temptations of life. 



They heard not the summons, exultingly given, 

 Which called thee from earth and its conflicts to heaven ; 

 They saw not the prospects which brightened around thee 

 When the cold hand of death in its fetters had bound thee : 

 They heard not the joy-notes triumphant and clear 

 Which angels exultingly poured on thy ear : 



' ' Heir of mortal sin and pain, 

 Thou hast 'scaped each earthly stain. 

 Child of sorrow, care, and woe, 

 Grief and care thou ne'er wilt know ; 

 Life's dark page can never be, 

 Happy babe, unrolled to thee : 

 Tears can never dim that eye 

 Brightening now with ecstasy ! 



" Child, whom Jesus died to save, 

 Wake and triumph o'er the grave ! 

 Cast its gloomy thralls aside : 

 Thou art freed and justified ! 

 Death hath touched, but could not slay — 

 Heir of glory, come away ! 



