THE SOUL'S PARTING.

Hawke's Bay Times, Issue 1563, 31 March 1874, Page 165

THE SOUL'S PARTING.

DOEA GREENWELL. She sat within Life's banquet-hall at noon, "When word was buught unto her secretly, " The Martor cometh onwards quickly ; soon Across the threshold He will call for thee." Then she rose up to meet Him at the door, But turning, courteous, made a farewell brief To those that sat around. From care and Grief She parted first. " Companions sworn and true Have ye been ever to me ; but for friends I knew ye not till later, and did miss Much solace through that error ; let this kiss, Late known and prized, be taken for amends ; Thou, too, kind, constant Patience, with thy slow Sweet counessl aiding mo ; I did not know That ye were angles, until you displayed Your wings for flight ; now bless me !" But they said, "We blest thee long ago." Then turning unto twain That stood together, tenderly and oft She kissed them on their forehead, whispering soft, " Now must we part; yet leave me not before Ye see me enter safe within the door ; Kind bosom-comforters, that by my side The darkest hour found ever c oses bide, A dark hour waits me, ere for evermore, Night, with its weariness, be overpast; Stay with me till I cross the the threshold o'er." So Faith and Hope stayed by her till the last. But giving both her hands To one that stood the nearest —" Thou and I . May pass together ; for the holy bands God knits on earth are never loosed on high. Long have I walked with thee ;• thy name arose E'en in my sleep, and sweeter than the close Of music was thy voice ; for thou wort sent To lead me homewards from my banishment By devious ways, and never hath my heart Swerved from thee, though our hands were wrung apart By spirits sworn to sever us ; above Soon shall I look upon thee as thou art." So she crossed o'er with Love.