The knell was tolled — the requiem sung...

The knell was tolled — the requiem sung,

The solemn burial-service read;

And tributes from the heart and tongue

Were rendered to the dead.

The dead?— Religion answers, “No!

She is not dead — She can not die!

A mortal left this vale of wo!—

An angel lives on high!”

The earth upon her coffin-lid

Sounded a hollow, harsh adieu!

The mound arose, and she was hid

For ever from the view!

For ever?— Drearily the thought

Passed, like an ice-bolt, through the brain;

When Faith the recollection brought

That we shall meet again.

The mourners wound their silent way

Adown the mountain's gentle slope,

Which, basking in the smile of May,

Looked cheerfully as hope.

As hope?— What hope?— That boundless One

God in His love and mercy gave;

Which brightens, with salvation's sun,

The darkness of the grave.