SHE SLEEPS.
“She sleeps,” they said; With noiseless tread They pass their way; She will awake, At morning break, In endless day.
“She sleeps,” they said; Some tears are shed From loving eyes; To-day she sings, With King of kings, In Paradise.
One stands apart, With breaking heart, From all the rest; His grief appears Too great for tears,— To weep were best.
“She sleeps,” they said Around her head The sunbeams play; When all are gone One lingers long Who wills to stay.
He calls her name And loves the same As when in life; With paling cheek He bids her speak,— His promised wife.
Alone are they; What can he say That she may hear? He takes her hand,— She’ll understand When he is near.
He sees the smile And waits awhile With bated breath; But lips speak not Her loving thought, Whose seal is death.
Around her face, In girlish grace, Falls silken hair; Her dear eyes close Yet well he knows The soul light there.
His own is she; On bended knee Once more he prays:— “Dear Father give, While I shall live, Strength for my days;