Judith

No year but brings its tolling bell;
     No love survives untouched by grief;
But ever in the passing knell
     Are undertones that breathe relief.

The tender wife, the mother, the friend,
     From earthly guardian goes to be
The angel watcher, and we bend
     In awe before this mystery!

She walked among us blithe and good,
     In lowly life content to wear
The crown of faithful womanhood,
     Our labors and our loves to share.

Alas, that when we saw her meet
     The fiery martyrdom of pain,
We could not quench its torturing heat,
     Nor snatch her from his burning chain!

Slowly, with unrelaxing links
     He drew her to the iron gate
Where sits pale Death, the tongueless Sphinx,
     Still dumb though hearts be desolate!

Onward, ajar the portal rolled,
     She vanished—but Immortal Faith
Caught gleams of living pearl and gold
     That line the iron door of Death.

Immortal Love can pierce that bar
     With visions of immortal life;
The ever-loved are never far;
     The full heart weds a deathless wife!