Classic Poem

S AINIS in Paradise, we know,
Wait and long for saints below.
Sure, if in realms of joy begun
Earth's pilgrims are remembered one by one,
If days and times are noted there,
Now, on this Sunday still and fair,
Dearest Sister, there are two,
Two, as dear, that turn toward you.

One that on this favour'd day
Down in happy slumber lay.
O, who the thoughts may guess and deem
That haply mingle with her angel-dream,
When among graces tasted here
She counts thy warnings, Sister dear,
Smiles and words, and ways of love
Here half-seen, now felt above.

With her waits by Eden's stream,
Partner of her blissful dream
A younger spirit, too pure, too fair
E'en for love's sake, this mean earth long to bear.
She in her partial love had plann'd
This sacred task for an unworthy hand.
May it now, till life shall end,
With her sweetest memory blend!