"This is the Palace Beautiful,
May I stay here to-night?"
They smiled and said, "We're glad our house
Finds favor in your sight:—
"Yes, gladly will we keep you here,
For many nights to come."
"Thank you," said Marian, "but I soon
Must seek my heavenly home.
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
Is near this house, I know"—
She stopped, for she saw,with great surprise,
Their tears began to flow.
She little thought the mourning dress,
Which all the ladies wore,
Was for one whom they had dearly loved,
And should see on earth no more.
Their brother had been called away,
Their brightest and their best;
No wonder, then, that Marian's words
Roused grief in every breast.
Sobs only for awhile were heard;
At length the ladies said,
"My, love, you have reminded us
Of our loved and early dead;
But this you could not know, my dear,
And it indeed is true;
We are all near to Death's dark door,
Even little girls like you."
