Stanzas on the Death of a Friend

Thou art gone to the grave; but we will not deplore thee,
Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb:

Thou art gone to the grave; but we will not deplore thee,
Though sorrows and darkness encompass the tomb:
Thy Saviour has passed through its portal before thee,
And the lamp of his love is thy guide thorugh the gloom.

Thou art gone to the grave; we no longer behold thee,
Nor tread the rough paths of the world by thy side;
But tho wide arms of mercy are spread to enfold thee,
And sinners may die, for the SINLESS has died.

Thou art gone to the grave; and, its mansion forsaking,
Perchance thy weak spirit in fear lingered long;
But the mild rays of paradise beamed on thy waking,
And the sound which thou heard’st was the seraphim’s song.

Reginald Heber