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RESPONSES.


Then, since effort seemed in vain,
My resolve began to wane,
And I let it have its way ;
Bade it tell me why I sighed,
Since the dead are glorified ;
And for answer it replied,
" One thing only I can say,
Departed ! "

Other forms its might did show,
Those beloved long ago,
Loved and lost, and gone away.
Over all my vision ranged,
Some forgotten, some estranged,
Some still lost, although unchanged.
Over all still rang the lay,
Departed !

Then I cried, " In pity show
Something gone, — I wish to go ; "
And I saw how every day
Seems to set the soul more free,
Loose its burdens tenderly —
And the sorrow crushing me
Hath entirely passed away,
Departed !