How can I, honour'd Mother,
Whose mem'ry I adore,
Endure the thought, so painful,
Of seeing you no more?
You form'd my heart to virtue,
My infant mind to truth,
And led me, pure and blameless,
Amid the snares of youth.
From you the dear idea
Of God I first receiv'd,
And charm'd by your example,
I in his name believ'd.
To that adored Being
You taught these lips to pray,
And bless'd my painful childhood
With views of heavenly day.
Yet O! farewell, dear mother!—
Be God Himself your Friend,
Your Comforter in trouble,
Your Saviour in the end!
Farewell, beloved brothers;
My frailties O! forgive!
And while I breathe, repenting,
May you respected live.
Endear'd, adored sisters—
But O! my heart, forbear!
How, from thy clasping fibres,
Can I these idols tear!
We've lov'd and wept together,
And till my latest breath,
This heart shall bear their features,
And cling to them in death!
Each fond association,
How round my heart it plays!
And wakes the recollection
Of dear departed days!
These fled—afflictions follow'd;
They, too, will soon be o'er—
Soon we shall meet in heaven,
To separate no more.