XXI.

In her large eyes the unthought-of tears
Gathered fully, gathered slowly,
And o'erflowed their azure spheres,
Drops of pain, but pure and holy.

XXII.

The lingering minutes, measured out
By that sad rain, drew on and on,
Till Henry feebly turned about,
And raised his eyes, and heaved a groan.

XXIII.

“Dear Jane,” he said, “my only love!
I feel I have not long to stay;
'Tis good, almost my hopes above,
That you are not away.

XXIV.

“'Tis not that I have much to tell
Before my lips their breath resign;
But, oh! 'tis peace, 'tis more than well,
While thus my hand is clasped in thine.

XXV.

“For here upon my bed of death
Is with me all that earth can give;
Thus God supports the fearless faith
Which cannot cease to live.

XXVI.

“My mother, and that humble friend,
The boys that were my flock, and thou,
To none beside my thoughts extend,
Save Him whose heaven is near me now.

XXVII.

“My boys again I fain would see,
And speak what last inspires my soul;
—That men who would be truly free,
Must win their aim by self-control.

XXVIII.

“That Reverence is the bond for man
With all of Best his eyes discern;
Love teaches more than Doctrine can,
And no pure Hope will vainly yearn.

XXIX.

“That Conscience holds supernal power
To rend or heal the human breast;
And that in guilt's most dismal hour
God still may turn its war to rest.

XXX.

“Through all on earth that lives and dies
Still shines that sole eternal star,
And while to its great beams I rise,
They seem to make me all they are.