TO R. T. B.

Sister, we know

That God is good, and He hath led us on

By pleasant ways or painful to this day.

Our lives went on together until now.

In childhood and in youth the same fond home

Hath been our earthly refuge; the same Rock

Our shelter when earth had no rest or shade.

At the same fancy we have often smiled,

For the same sorrow wept; and oft our souls,

In mingling aspirations, have sent up

The same thanksgiving, the same burning prayer.

Yes, we have lived together; we have known

The visible blending of the outward life

Made real by the holier unison

Of loving spirit and aspiring mind.

The spells of joy have bound us — and of hope,

And tears — which are the diamond links of love —

Have made the chain of our affection strong.

It may be thus no more; yet — God is good —

I hush the moaning of my riven heart,

And smile that thou art happy; and give thanks

That thy sweet life, rejoicing, hath put on

Its richest diadem, its crown of love.

May the kind Father grant that crown to be

All worthy of the wearer; may His smile

Lend brightness to it ever; and at last,

When it is laid with earthly robes away,

O may the infinite and eternal Love

Rest like a glory on thy radiant brow.