"Sleep soft, beloved!" we sometimes say But have no tune to charm away Sad dreams that through the eyelids creep: But never doleful dreams again O earth, so full of dreary noises! His dews drop mutely on the hill, 66 For me, my heart that erst did go Most like a tired child at a show, That sees through tears the mummers leap, Would now its wearied vision close, Would childlike on His love repose, Who "giveth His beloved sleep." And friends, dear friends—when it shall be That this low breath is gone from me, LITTLE MATTIE. DEAD? Thirteen a month ago! Short and narrow her life's walk. Lover's love she could not know Even by a dream or talk: Fawning, fondling, breathing fast, In a tender trouble. Therefore to this dog will I, Render praise and favor: With my hand upon his head, Is my benediction said, Therefore and forever. And because he loves me so, Better than his kind will do Often, man, or woman, Give I back more love again Than dogs often take of men, Leaning from my Human. CONSOLATION. ALL are not taken! there are left behind Living Beloveds, tender looks to bring, And make the daylight still a happy thing, And tender voices to make soft the Only free from flutterings wind. Of loud mirth that scorneth meas FIRST time he kissed me, he but only kissed The fingers of this hand wherewith I write, And ever since it grew more clean and white, Slow to world-greetings. . quick with When the angels speak. A ring of its "Oh, list!" amethyst I could not wear here plainer to my Than that first kiss. The second sight, The first, and sought the forehead, passed in height and half missed, Half falling on the hair. Oh, beyond meed! That was the chrism of love, which love's own crown, With sanctifying sweetness, did precede. The third upon my lips was folded down In perfect, purple state! since when, indeed, I have been proud and said, "My love, my own." |