If, with benignant care, ye linger near,

To guard the objects in existence dear;

If, hovering o’er, ethereal band! ye view

The tender sorrows, to your memory true;

Oh! in the musing hour, at midnight deep,

While for your loss affection wakes to weep;

While every sound in hallow’d stillness lies,

But the low murmur of her plaintive sighs;

Oh! then, amidst that holy calm be near,

Breathe your light whisper softly in her ear;