The World's Complaint, and Other Poems (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1847. Excerpt: ... THE WEDDING AND THE FUNERAL, i. How closely may the steps of death. Approach the path of life, While here is watch'd the infant's breath, And there the parting strife II. The mourners may in sorrow bear The loved one to the tomb, And almost touch the maiden fair In all her bridal bloom. in. 'T is so e'en now as pleased we stand, to deck our lovely bride With flowers and gems and broider'd robe, and favours for her side, While there within that dreary house the weeping mourners stand; For they must dress in the fun'ral cloak, the scarf, the hood, the band. And now the hour when both come forth sounds from the distant clock, And bells that toll and bells that ring each other seem to mock. And prancing greys come bridling here, and dismal black ones there, And the wedding and the funeral train the neighbours' homage share. But start not, maiden; and ye sad, shed not one bitter tear, When looking from your sorrowing group to the merry faces here; For yours must be a bridal, too, if view'd with trusting eyes, Though the bride will wear her wedding-dress beyond these lower skies; And spirits that have gone before, freed from the world's control, Will celebrate in anthems there the bridal of the soul. rv. For closely on the steps of death Attend the thoughts of life, To breathe within a heavenly breath As ends the parting strife. SING ON, GAY BIRDS, i. Sing on, gay birds Tho' leaves are falling fast, And one by one Your summer joys go past, Yet still sing on H n. Bloom on, fair flowers Tho' blows the autumn wind, And pelting rains Fall dismal and unkind, Yet still bloom on iii. Smile on, bright eyes Tho' you have seen depart Your youth's best hopes, The childhood of your heart, Yet still smile on IV. Hope on, young hearts Tho' you have learn'd to call Al...