Dirge

Place this bunch of mignonette

In her cold, dead hand;

When the golden sun is set,

Where the poplars stand,

Bury her from sun and day,

Lay my little love away

From my sight.

She was like a modest flower

Blown in sunny June,

Warm as sun at noon's high hour,

Chaster than the moon.

Ah, her day was brief and bright,

Earth has lost a star of light;

She is dead.

Softly breathe her name to me,—

Ah, I loved her so.

Gentle let your tribute be;

None may better know

Her true worth than I who weep

O'er her as she lies asleep—

Soft asleep.

Lay these lilies on her breast,

They are not more white

Than the soul of her, at rest

'Neath their petals bright.

Chant your aves soft and low,

Solemn be your tread and slow,—

She is dead.

Lay her here beneath the grass,

Cool and green and sweet,

Where the gentle brook may pass

Crooning at her feet.

Nature's bards shall come and sing,

And the fairest flowers shall spring

Where she lies.

Safe above the water's swirl,

She has crossed the bar;

Earth has lost a precious pearl,

Heaven has gained a star,

That shall ever sing and shine,

Till it quells this grief of mine

For my love.