The Parting Soul And Her Guardian Angel.

(Written during sickness).

Soul -
    Oh! say must I leave this world of light
    With its sparkling streams and sunshine bright,
    Its budding flowers, its glorious sky?
    Vain 'tis to ask me - I cannot die!

Angel -
    But, sister, list! in the realms above,
    That happy home of eternal love,
    Are flowers more fair, and skies more clear
    Than those thou dost cling to so fondly here.

Soul -
    Ah! yes, but to reach that home of light
    I must pass through the fearful vale of night;
    And my soul with alarm doth shuddering cry -
    O angel, I tell thee, I dare not die!

Angel -
    Ah! mortal beloved, in that path untried
    Will I be, as ever, still at thy side,
    Through gloom to guide till, death's shadows passed,
    Thou nearest, unharmed, God's throne at last.

Soul -
    Alas! too many close ties of love
    Around my wavering heart are wove!
    Fond, tender voices, press me to stay -
    Think'st thou from them I would pass away?
    Daily my mother, with anguish wild,
    Bends o'er the couch of her dying child,
    And one, nearer still, with silent tears,
    Betrays his anguish, his gloomy fears -
    Yes, even now, while to thee I speak,
    Are hot drops falling upon my cheek;
    Think you I'd break from so close a tie?
    No, my guardian angel, I cannot die!

Angel -
    Poor child of earth! how closely clings
    Thy heart to earth and to earthly things!
    Wilt thou still revolt if I whisper low
    That thy Father in Heaven wills it so -
    Wills that with Him thou should'st henceforth dwell,
    To pray for those whom thou lovest so well,
    Till a time shall come when you'll meet again,
    To forget for ever life's grief and pain?

Soul -
    Spirit, thy words have a potent power
    O'er my sinking heart in this awful hour,
    And thy soft-breathed hopes, with magic might.
    Have chased from my soul the shades of night.
    Console the dear ones I part from now,
    Who hang o'er my couch with pallid brow,
    Tell them we'll meet in yon shining sky -
    And, Saviour tender, now let me die!