Poems (Dodd)/The Good Man's burial
THE GOOD MAN'S BURIAL.
"Unveil thy bosom," ever "faithful tomb," And take the righteous to his peaceful rest;The narrow house wears no appalling gloom, To one who comes with years and virtues blest.
O, blest indeed; through a long, blameless life, To bear a name seldom to mortals given;To shun the mazy ways of sin and strife, And walk the path that leads direct to heaven.
And still, though clouds and darkness intervene, And trials come which weaker trust destroy,To gaze with steady faith on that bright scene, Where those who sow in tears shall reap in joy.
To drink with spirit undefiled and free, The welling waters of eternal truth,And though life's morning hours forever flee, To keep a heart fresh with the dew of youth.
Such is the treasure which we bring to thee, O grave! thou silent and secure abode!Guard well the trust, till from thy fetters free, He mounts to heaven along the starry road.
The aged and the young are gathered here, To see the dust upon his coffin fall;Gray heads are bowed, and bright eyes drop the tear, For one lamented and beloved by all.
Weep not for him, the ransomed, the redeemed, To earth-bound spirits let your tears be given;E'en here a holy light around him beamed, And saint-like virtues won the smiles of heaven.
And thou, companion of his lengthened years, Who shared his fortunes with a love so strong,Wipe from thy widowed eyes the streaming tears; Be comforted, your parting is not long.
Why should we sorrow though our friend depart? Though round his form death's solemn shadow lies?Life's mission o'er, he went with willing heart, To join the just made perfect in the skies.
As fades the twilight in the cloudless west, So waned the evening of his life away;But morn again shall dawn upon his rest, The glorious morning of a perfect day.