'Neath peaceful shades they calmly sleep
Who fought the angry wave; Nor maid, nor mother e'er shall weep
Beside her sailor's grave.
For the golden locks will dull to dark,
The brown will turn to grey; But the brave who sailed in that gallant bark
Have bade "Farewell" for aye.
DE PROFUNDIS.
I looked abroad; gloom, only gloom;
Weird, solemn, chill and densely drear; Black curtain over nature's bier; Silence oppressive as of doom.
"Oh soul!" I said, "though morn be bright,
Though gorgeous vistas charm life's day, Descends on every earth-trod way Cold mortal chill, bereavement's night."
Once more I looked; transcendent shine!
The myriad gates of light unbarred; The glowing heavens serenely starred; Dull earth transformed to scene divine.
Then said I, "Soul! would the mercy beams
Shed ever such radiant light, Had'st thou not known dark sorrow's night Or groped within this world of dreams?"