also, the funeral of T., the preacher of Oberstenfeld, a man of sixty and more years, whose preaching, instruction, and character, (he was goodness itself,) had had great influence upon her life. She followed the dear remains, with others, to the church-yard. Her heart till then so heavy, was suddenly relieved and calmed, as she stood beside the grave. She remained there long, enjoying her new peace, and when she went away found herself tranquil, but indifferent to all the concerns of this world. Here began the period, not indeed as yet of sickness, but of her peculiar inward life, which knew afterward no pause.
Later, in somnambulic state, she spoke of this day in the following verses. The deceased had often appeared to her as a shape of light, protecting her from evil spirits.
(These are little simple rhymes; they are not worth translating into verse, though, in the original, they have a childish grace.)
| What was once so dark to me, |
| I see now clearly. |
| In that day |
| When I had given in marriage myself away, |
| I stood quite immersed in thee, |
| Thou angel figure above thy grave mound. |
| Willingly would I have exchanged with thee, |
| Willingly given up to thee my earthly luck, |
| Which those around praised as the blessing of heaven. |
| I prayed upon thy grave |
| For one blessing only, |
