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Cary, Alice, 1820-1871 [1859], The adopted daughter and other tales. (J.B. Smith and Company, Philadelphia) [word count] [eaf487T]. To look up a word in a dictionary, select the word with your mouse and press 'd' on your keyboard.
BY MISS PHŒBE CAREY. Softly part away the tresses From her forehead of pale clay, And across her quiet bosom Let her white hands lightly lay, Never idly in her lifetime Were they folded thus away. She has lived a life of labor, She is done with toil and care, She has lived a life of sorrow, She hath nothing more to bear; And the lips that never murmured Never more shall move in prayer. You who watched with me beside her As her last of nights went by, Know how many times she asked us If we thought her hour was nigh; How she told us, always smiling, She was glad that she could die. Many times from off the pillow, Lifting up her face to hear, She would look as one who watches Half in hope and half in fear; Often asking those about her, If the day were drawing near.
Till at last as one a-weary To herself she murmured low; Could I see him, could I bless him Only once before I go; If he knew that I was dying He would come to me I know! Drawing then my head down softly Till it lay beside her own, Said she, tell him in his anguish When he finds that I am gone, That the bitterness of dying Was to leave him here alone. Nay! the pang is but a moment— And my parting words may win Entrance to his softened bosom To plead solemnly with sin; So my death shall prove a blessing That my life has never been. Crushing then with one great effort All her weakness and her woe, She seemed wrapped in pleasant visions But to wait her time to go; And she never after midnight Spoke of anything below. But kept murmuring very softly Of cool streams and pleasant bowers, Of a pathway going up brightly Through the fields of endless flowers. And at daybreak she had entered On a better life than ours!
Cary, Alice, 1820-1871 [1859], The adopted daughter and other tales. (J.B. Smith and Company, Philadelphia) [word count] [eaf487T]. |
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