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CONSOLATION.
You tell me that to him I mourn is given
Such bliss as makes this world seem poor and dim;—
Is there an angel in the whole of heaven,
In all the shining ranks of seraphim,
Can take my place to him?
Such bliss as makes this world seem poor and dim;—
Is there an angel in the whole of heaven,
In all the shining ranks of seraphim,
Can take my place to him?
Can he be happy while I grieve and pine?
Can he rejoice, and I in misery?
Then he is changed, and is no longer mine
For he so loved me, that he could not be
Content away from me.
Can he rejoice, and I in misery?
Then he is changed, and is no longer mine
For he so loved me, that he could not be
Content away from me.
And yet you say he dwells in joy and peace,
Far from this dim and sorrowful estate,
And, when my earthly wanderings shall cease,
Will come and meet me at life's outer gate:
"Be strong," you say, "and wait."
Far from this dim and sorrowful estate,
And, when my earthly wanderings shall cease,
Will come and meet me at life's outer gate:
"Be strong," you say, "and wait."
Would that I were like Stephen, and could see,
What time the cruel stones bruise out my soul,
The opening heavens, and angels waiting me!
Alas! I hear no homeward chariot-roll,
No welcome to the goal.
What time the cruel stones bruise out my soul,
The opening heavens, and angels waiting me!
Alas! I hear no homeward chariot-roll,
No welcome to the goal.