Hymn to the Dead, by William B. Tappan

Hymn to the Dead

Peaceful rest, ye silent dead!
Rest, ye weary wanderers, rest;
Gentle is your earthly bed;
Quiet is the aching breast.   Peaceful rest, for o'er the tomb
Weeping willows love to wave;
Rest, for Spring's perennial bloom
Clusters fairest on the grave.   Rest, for life is but a dream;
Bliss is nought but gilded woe;
They that live enjoy the gleam,
They that slumber truly know.   Rest! No sorrow can befall ye,
Mingle with the valley's clod;
Rest, till nature's cry shall call ye,
Call ye to approach your God.

poems.one - William B. Tappan

William B. Tappan