O! SING TO ME OF HEAVEN!
The following lines were written on the occasion of the death of Mrs. Ramsay, widow of the late David Ramsay, the son of the Historian of South Carolina. Her maiden name was Pinckney, a name identified with the history of our state. The lines were suggested by the scenes which took place at her death; they are affectionately dedicated to my dear friends, Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Pinckney, and to our beloved teachers, the Misses Ramsay, to whom my father’s daughters owe a pleasing debt of gratitude.
O! sing to me of Heaven,
When I am call’d to die!
Sing songs of holy ecstasy,
To waft my soul on high!
When cold and sluggish drops
Roll off my marble brow,
Burst forth in strains of joyfulness—
Let Heaven begin below!
When the last moment comes,
O! watch my dying face;
And catch the bright seraphic gleam
Which o’er each feature plays!
Then to my ravish’d ears
Let one sweet song be given;
Let music charm me last on earth,
And greet me first in Heaven!
Then close my sightless eyes,
And lay me down to rest;
And clasp my pale and icy hands
Upon my lifeless breast.
Then round my senseless clay
Assemble those I love;
And sing of Heaven—delightful Heaven!
My glorious home above!
January 15, 1840.