Softly and gently, dearly-ransomed soul,[35]
In my most loving arms I now enfold thee,
And, o'er the penal waters, as they roll,
900I poise thee, and I lower thee, and hold thee.
And carefully I dip thee in the lake,[36]
And thou, without a sob or a resistance,
Dost through the flood thy rapid passage take,
Sinking deep, deeper into the dim distance.
Angels, to whom the willing task is given,
Shall tend, and nurse, and lull thee, as thou liest;