TO A DEPARTED SPIRIT.
201
The long-sought home, the Father's house in sight;
While from its flaming windows all alight
Came festal sounds.
While from its flaming windows all alight
Came festal sounds.
Then, Friend beloved, for thee
I could not pray as once, though still arose
Thy name because of use, would somewhat say,
"Pray not for her, but for thyself and those
Who linger far behind; the little way
That she hath yet to travel, like the rose
Doth blossom, paved with love; her kindred wait
E'en now to welcome her within the gate;
But ere their dancing and their songs resound,
Her spirit rushing on before, hath met
The Father coming forth; her cheek is wet
With reconciling tears. Oh, wake no sound,
She seeketh nothing further! she hath found
Him whom her soul desired by night and day,—
What wouldst thou ask for her?"
I could not pray as once, though still arose
Thy name because of use, would somewhat say,
"Pray not for her, but for thyself and those
Who linger far behind; the little way
That she hath yet to travel, like the rose
Doth blossom, paved with love; her kindred wait
E'en now to welcome her within the gate;
But ere their dancing and their songs resound,
Her spirit rushing on before, hath met
The Father coming forth; her cheek is wet
With reconciling tears. Oh, wake no sound,
She seeketh nothing further! she hath found
Him whom her soul desired by night and day,—
What wouldst thou ask for her?"
Yet must I pray
For thee, so spake I soft, "The stream is wide
That lies between; oh, gentle be its flow
When she doth cross,"—that boon was not denied.
Now that thy feet upon the hither side
Stand firm, I charge thee, Friend, by all below
That knit our souls in one, that thou dost take
This music from my lips, for thou canst frame
Its flow more fitly; only change thy name
For thee, so spake I soft, "The stream is wide
That lies between; oh, gentle be its flow
When she doth cross,"—that boon was not denied.
Now that thy feet upon the hither side
Stand firm, I charge thee, Friend, by all below
That knit our souls in one, that thou dost take
This music from my lips, for thou canst frame
Its flow more fitly; only change thy name
