Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/124

And dark and hollow were her eyes,
    Yet tenderly the while
Play'd o'er her thin white cheek and lip
    A sweet and patient smile.

The shadow of the grave was nigh,
    But to her face was given
A holy light from that far home
    Where she was hastening—heaven.

It was her latest task on earth,
    That work of faith and love;
She taught that village child to raise
    Her youthful heart above.

She gave her sweet and humble thought
    That make their own content;
And hopes that are the gift of heaven,
    When heavenward they are bent.

And many wept above the tomb
    That over Marian closed;
When in the bosom of her God
    The weary soul reposed.

None wept with tenderer tears than she
    Who such vain tears had shed;
But holy was the weeping given
    To the beloved dead.

Throughout a long and happy life
    That peasant maiden kept
The lesson of that blessed hour
    When by the brook she wept.