The Departure

See the sun at close of day,
Calmly gliding down the west;
Mark the soft and fading ray,
Lingering, to denote the way
Where he sinks to rest!

So, in peace, her spirit fled,
Bright amid the shades of death;
And around her dying bed,
Mild and heavenly radiance shed
At the parting breath.

When from earthly pain and grief,
From the world's deceit and sin,
Full of hope, she sought relief,
Full of days, a golden sheaf,
She was gathered in.

She had fought the goodly fight;
She her Father's will had done;
Till her raven locks were white,
Long, to wear a crown of light,
She the race had run.

Then, are sighs and tears for me?
Shall this aching heart repine,
Mourning still, dear friend, for thee?
Or its better purpose be
Life and death like thine?