It floated up softly, with fairy-like grace,

And paused ’neath the light of the white-shining stars,

Whose rays pierced its centre, like clear silver bars;

The winds revelled round it, unchecked in their mirth,

As it hung, like a banner, ’mid heaven and earth.

The soft fleecy folds of the clouds swept aside,

The winds ceased their revels, and mournfully sighed;

A car slowly rolled down the pathway of Time,

A bell slowly tolled a funereal chime:

A sound in the air, and a wail on the breeze,