LOVE'S LAST WORDS.
Reading edition
THEY knew that she was going To holier, better spheres, Yet they could not stay the flowing Of their tears; And they bent above in sorrow, Like mourners o'er a tomb, For they knew that on the morrow There'd be gloom. There was one among the number Who had watched the dying's breath, With an eye that would not slumber Until death. There, as he bent above her, He whispered in her ear How fondly he did love her, Her most dear. "One word, 't will comfort send me, When early spring appears, And o'er thy grave I bend me In my tears. A single word now spoken Shall be kept in Memory's shrine, Where the dearest treasured token Shall be thine." She pressed his hand-she knew him- With the fervor of a child; And, looking fondly to him, Sweetly smiled. And, smiling thus, she started For her glorious home above, And her last breath, as it parted, Whispered "Love."