TO A SISTER, IN THE REPOSE OF DEATH.
Sleep on, sweet sister! holy joy
Sits on thy placid brow;
No sudden anguish can destroy
Thy peaceful slumbers now.
Sleep on—sleep on—and I will pray
That I may rest like thee,
When comes the pris’ner’s ransom day,
My life’s great jubilee!
Sleep on! ’tis long since thou hast known
A sweet release from pain;
Dear angel, bowing near the throne!
Thou canst not weep again!
Sleep on—sleep on—thy work is done!
I must not mourn for thee!
I wish thee joy, thou ransom’d one!
Thou hast thy liberty!
New York, May 24, 1837.