42
NATIONAL LYRICS.
Sustain, O friend!
Upon thy faithful breast,
The head that sinks, with mortal pain opprest!
And thou, assistance lend
To close the languid eye,
Still beautiful, in life's last agony.
Alas! how long a strife!
What anguish struggles in the parting breath,
Ere yet immortal life
Be won by death!
Death! Death! thy work complete!
Let thy sad hour be fleet,
Speed, in thy mercy, the releasing sigh!
No more keen pangs impart
To her, the high in heart,
The adored Alcestis, worthy ne'er to die.
