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SONNETS.



X.

THE RAISING OF THE WIDOW'S SON.

"And he that was dead sat up and began to speak."


He that was dead rose up and spoke—He spoke!
    Was it of that majestic world unknown?
Those words, which first the bier's dread silence broke,
    Came they with revelation in each tone?
Were the far cities of the nations gone,
    The solemn halls of consciousness or sleep,
For man uncurtain'd by that spirit lone,
    Back from their portal summon'd o'er the deep?
Be hush'd, my soul! the veil of darkness lay
Still drawn:—thy Lord call'd back the voice departed,
To spread his truth, to comfort his weak-hearted,
Not to reveal the mysteries of its way.
Oh! take that lesson home in silent faith,
Put on submissive strength to meet, not question, death!