Classic Poem

She has heard the solemn summons,
She has listened to the swell
Of the lofty anthems ringing
Where the white-robed spirits dwell;
And with sweet and willing courage
She has girded her, and gone
Through the mystery and shadow
Of the silent vale, alone.

Cordial greetings met her presence
At the proudest mansion-door;
Blessings followed her light foot-fall
From the humblest cottage-floor;
She was busy as the sunshine,
She was gracious as the rain,
But the Master called her heavenward,
And she might no more remain.

We shall miss her when a stranger
Strikes the organ's stately keys;
When we bow, in deep adoring,
At The Supper's mysteries;
But our grieved hearts will remember
That with seraphs now she sings,
And that Christ has led her footsteps
To imperishable springs.

Holy Father! who dost send us
Angels sometimes from on high,
By their gentle lives to teach us
How to live and how to die,
Give us grace her bright example
So to follow, that at last
We may dwell with her forever
When this life is overpast.