To a Mirror a Century Old [pp. 269-272]

lo a Mirror a Century Old.
And, sure, if angels ever dwell
Upon life's stormy sea,
That mother's love, I know full well,
Their angel guard must be.
"Death stooped his shadowy pinion o'er
That peaceful, loving home,
A cherub boy he rudely bore
To the dark, silent tomb.
But angel bands were waiting near,
To catch the parting breath,
And the freed soul in triumph bear
Beyond the reach of death.
"The mother meekly bowed her head,
Nor hoped to find relief:
She sorrowed o'er her lovely dead
In silent, tearless grief.
As low her mourning head she bent,
White wings were fluttering near,
An angel voice from Heaven was sent
To whisper in her ear:
"'Mother, look up! behold, your child
Forever is at rest,
Safe from the storm and tempest wild,
Upon the Saviour's breast.
The tender lambs I early take,
Up to their heavenly homeWith joy their golden harps they wake,
Safe from the ills to come.'
"Her onward way she calmly trod
In meek submission still;
Bowed to the sovereign power of Go(l,
Nor murmured at his will.
A golden cord of hope and love
From earth was rudely riven,
That cord now draws to realms above
And binds her heart to heaven.
" As time rolls o'er, and, year by year,
Life's river onward flows,
A joy is here-a sorrow there
To break the calm repose.
And now a group of maidens fair
Is gathered at her side;
A noble boy, besides, is there,
The mother's joy and pride.
'A nuptial morn rose bright and fair
Over earth's smiling face,
And loving friends were gathered there,
A bridal scene to grace.
270
[OCTOBER