Night is the time for Death ;
When all around is peace,
Calmly to yield the weary breath,
From sin and suffering cease,
Think of heaven's bliss, and give the sign
To parting friends ; — such death be mine.
JOYFUL words, — we meet again!
Love's own language, comfort darting
Through the souls of friends at parting:
Life in death, — we meet again!
While we walk this vale of tears,
Compass'd round with care and sorrow,
Gloom to-day, and storm to-morrow,
“ Meet again !” our bosom cheers.
Far in exile, when we roam,
O’er our lost endearments weeping,
Lonely, silent vigils keeping,
“ Meet again!" transports us home.
When this weary world is past,
Happy they, whose spirits soaring,
Vast eternity exploring,
• Meet again ” in heaven at last.
Night turns to day: –
When sullen darkness lowers,
And heaven and earth are hid from sight,
Cheer up, cheer up;
Ere long the opening flowers,
With dewy eyes, shall shine in light.
Storms die in calms :
When over land and ocean
Roll the loud chariots of the wind,
Cheer up, cheer up;
The voice of wild commotion
Proclaims tranquillity behind.
Winter wakes spring :
When icy blasts are blowing
O'er frozen lakes, through naked trees,
Cheer up, cheer up;
All beautiful and glowing,
May floats in fragrance on the breeze.
War ends in peace:
Though dread artillery rattle,
And ghastly corses load the ground,
Cheer up, cheer up;
Where groan’d the field of battle,
The song, the dance, the feast go round.
Toil brings repose: -
With noontide fervours beating,
When droop thy temples o'er thy breast,
Cheer up, cheer up;
Grey twilight, cool and fleeting,
Wafts on its wing the hour of rest.
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