Poems (Rice)/Lines suggested at the Funeral of a Lovely Child
LINESSUGGESTED AT THE FUNERAL OF A LOVELY CHILD, AT ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, CHARLESTOWN, NOVEMBER 20, 1856.
LOVELY little Fannie, How can I gaze to-day Upon thy precious form Of most exquisite clay? I did not think, when last I pressed thy tiny hand, That you would soar so soon, Up to the spirit-land.
List! to the startling bell, And O! its lengthened peal; Is this a funeral knell Which on my ear doth steal? Suggestive is the chime To pilgrims here below, How touching, how sublime It speaks, we too must go.
Loving hands have robed Thy fragile form with care;Upon a gem so beautiful, To gaze, I hardly dare. How like the beauteous flower, Culled from the laden bough At morning's rosy hour, Thou seemest to me now.
Just ten short years ago They to the altar came, Where mystic waters flow, For thy baptismal name; And there they bowed and prayed Thy nature to renew, Now in the casket laid Shrined as the crystal dew.
The solemn dirge is sung, The sacred service o'er; And ye, whose hearts are wrung, May blessings on you pour. Look up and kiss the chastening rod— Why weep when thou hast given A cherub unto God, An angel unto heaven?