Volume 3 — "REQUIEM AETERNAM."

Lo! another pilgrim, weary With his toils, hath reached the goal. And we lift our "Miserere" For the dear departed soul; God of pity and of love! May he reign with thee above! By the pleasures he surrendered, By the cross so meekly borne. By the heart so early tendered. By each sharp and secret thorn, And by every holy deed-- For our brother's rest we plead! 'Mid the throng who rest contented, Earth to him was but a waste. And the sweets this life presented, Were but wormwood to his taste. Faith had taught him from the first For the fount of life to thirst Faith, the sun that rose to brighten All his pathway from the font: Then no phantom e'er could frighten, Nor the sword of pain or want: "For," he said, "though pain be strong, Time shall vanquish it ere long." When he spoke of things eternal, How the transient seemed to fade! And we saw the goods supernal Stand revealed without a shade: "Surely 'twas a spirit spoke," Was the thought his language woke. {264} Thought prophetic! now a spirit Speaketh from the world unseen: And the faith we, too, inherit Telleth what the tidings mean: "Friend and stranger! oh, prepare-- Make the wedding garment fair." Yet our brother's strength was mortal; Bore he naught of earthly taint? Did he pass the guarded portal In the armor of a saint? Lord of holiness! with dread On this awful ground we tread. He was merciful and tender To the erring and the weak; Therefore will thy pity render Unto him the grace we seek. Whilst we bring to mercy's fount Pledges uttered on the Mount. He remembered the departed As we now remember him: Bright, and true, and simple-hearted. Till the lamp of life grew dim: Friend was he of youth and age-- Now a child--and now a sage. If those footsteps unreturning Leave on earth no lasting trace: If no kindred heart be yearning Tearful in his vacant place: If oblivion be his lot Here below, we murmur not; Only let his portion be Evermore, dear Lord, with thee! MARIE. Beaver, PA.