Would spring from rosy sleep, and playfully
Hide the rich clusters of his gleaming hair
In that kind youthful breast!—Oh! now no more—
But strengthen me, my God! and melt my heart,
Even to a well-spring of adoring tears,
For many a blessing left.
(Bending over the Child.) Once more farewell!
Oh! the pale piercing sweetness of that look!
How can it be sustained? Away, away!
[After a short pause.
Edmund, my woman's nature still is weak—
I cannot see thee render dust to dust!
Go thou, my husband, to thy solemn task;
I will rest here, and still my soul with prayer
Till thy return.
Husband.Then strength be with thy prayer!
Peace on thy bosom! Faith and heavenly hope
Unto thy spirit! Fare thee well a while!
We must be Pilgrims of the Woods again,
After this mournful hour.
[He goes out with the child. Agnes kneels in prayer. After a time voices without are heard singing
THE FUNERAL HYMN.
Where the long reeds quiver,
Where the pines make moan,
By the forest-river,
Sleeps our babe alone.
Cypress-shadows o'er him darkly wave.
Woods unknown receive him,
'Midst the mighty wild;
Yet with God we leave him,
Blessed, blessed child!
Mournfully, yet still from hearts of trust.
Though his eye hath brighten'd
Oft our weary way,
And his clear laugh lighten'd
Half our hearts' dismay;
Yielding up the Beautiful to Heaven.
And to Her who bore him,
Her who long must weep,
Yet shall Heaven restore him
From his pale, sweet sleep!
Through her soul will shine, undimm'd by pain.
Where the long reeds quiver,
Where the pines make moan,
Leave we by the river
Earth to earth alone!
Lead to where the blessed boy is gone!
