Monumental Inscription.
BY MRS. HEMANS.
Elle etait du Monde, ou les plus belles choses
Ont le pire destin;
Et Rose, elle a dure, ce que durent les roses,
L'espace d'un matin.
Earth! guard what here we lay in holy trust;
That which hath left our home a darkened place,
Wanting the form, the smile, now veiled with dust,
The light departed with our loveliest face.
Yet from thy bonds undying hope springs free—
We have but lent our beautiful to thee.
But thou, oh Heaven! keep, keep what Thou hast taken,
And with our treasure keep our hearts on high!
The spirit meek, and yet by pain unshaken,
The faith, the love, the lofty constancy,
Guide us where these are with our sister flown—
They were of Thee, and thou hast claim'd thine own!
