How blessed with thee the path could I have trod <br />Of quiet life, above cold want's hard fate, <br />(And little wishing more) nor of the great <br />Envious, or their proud name; but it pleased GOD <br />To take thee to his mercy: thou didst go <br />In youth and beauty to thy cold death-bed; <br />Even whilst on dreams of bliss we fondly fed, <br />Of years to come of comfort! Be it so. <br />Ere this I have felt sorrow; and even now, <br />Though sometimes the unbidden tear will start, <br />And half unman the miserable heart, <br />The cold dew I shall wipe from my sad brow, <br />And say, since hopes of bliss on earth are vain, <br />Best friend, farewell, till we do meet again!<br /><br />William Lisle Bowles<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/in-memoriam-20/
