ON Death's domain intent I fix my eyes, <br />Where human nature in vast ruin lies: <br />With pensive mind I search the drear abode, <br />Where the great conqu'ror has his spoils bestow'd; <br />There there the offspring of six thousand years <br />In endless numbers to my view appears: <br />Whole kingdoms in his gloomy den are thrust, <br />And nations mix with their primeval dust: <br />Insatiate still he gluts the ample tomb; <br />His is the present, his the age to come. <br />See here a brother, here a sister spread, <br />And a sweet daughter mingled with the dead. <br /> But, Madam, let your grief be laid aside, <br />And let the fountain of your tears be dry'd, <br />In vain they flow to wet the dusty plain, <br />Your sighs are wafted to the skies in vain, <br />Your pains they witness, but they can no more, <br />While Death reigns tyrant o'er this mortal shore. <br /> The glowing stars and silver queen of light <br />At last must perish in the gloom of night: <br />Resign thy friends to that Almighty hand, <br />Which gave them life, and bow to his command; <br />Thine Avis give without a murm'ring heart, <br />Though half thy soul be fated to depart. <br />To shining guards consign thine infant care <br />To waft triumphant through the seas of air: <br />Her soul enlarg'd to heav'nly pleasure springs, <br />She feeds on truth and uncreated things. <br />Methinks I hear her in the realms above, <br />And leaning forward with a filial love, <br />Invite you there to share immortal bliss <br />Unknown, untasted in a state like this. <br />With tow'ring hopes, and growing grace arise, <br />And seek beatitude beyond the skies.<br /><br />Phillis Wheatley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-a-gentleman-and-lady-on-the-death-of-the-lady-2/
