Death of a Wife during the Absence of her Husband

The Man of God, from distant toilTo his sweet home drew nigh,And kindling expectation roseWith brightness to his eye,—But She, the sharer of his joy,The solace of his care,—Whose smile of welcome, woke his soulTo rapture, was not there.

He entered and his darling boysCame gathering to his side,—Tears glitter'd on their cheeks of rose,—Why were those tears undry'd?And one a stranger to its sire,—A new born babe was there,—Its feeble wailing pierced his ear,—Where was its mother?—where?—

They told him,—and he hasted downTo that oblivious cell,—From whence no tenant e'er return'dAmong mankind to dwell,—And there, the glory of his house,A lifeless ruin lay,—And bowing down in bitter woeHe kiss'd the unanswering clay.

But had not Faith and Hope been there,Whose strong, inspiring breathHad borne that parted friend aboveThe agony of death;—Had they not stood divinely nearTo yield a sure relief,—What else could hold the soul unwreck'dAmid that tide of grief?