Lines on Visiting the Grave of Rev. Dr. P.

Lines on Visiting the Grave of Rev. Dr. P.

"There is a voice from the tomb sweeter than song. There is a resemblance of the dead to which we turn, even from the charms of the living."


The grave hath many a jewel rare

Beneath the cypress tree -

But Death ne'er placed a casket there

More loved or wept than he.

I love to stand beside that mound

On some calm Sabbath night,

And muse awhile - 'tis sacred ground,

With heavenly things in sight.

The sunset lingers on its way,

To deck that simple stone,

While friends around the churchyard stray,

To think of him that's gone.

And children lightly tread the spot,

In summer beauty drest,

As if their footsteps ne'er forgot,

Whose ashes there they prest.

Fit resting from life's weary scene,

Sweetly in peace he slumbers now,

"A gem of purest ray serene,"

With God's own signet on his brow.

Portsmouth, June, 1837.

F.

1:29, p. 4

1837.07.22

From the Portsmouth Journal