Thus in the quiet joy of kindly trust

Thus in the quiet joy of kindly trust,We bid each parting saint a brief farewell;Weeping, yet smiling, we commit their dustTo the safe keeping of the silent cell.

Softly within that peaceful resting-placeWe lay their wearied limbs, and bid the clayPress lightly on them till the night be past,And the far east give note of coming day.

The day of re-appearing! how it speeds!He who is true and faithful speaks the word:Then shall we ever be with those we love;Then shall we be forever with the Lord.

The shout is heard, the Archangel's voice goes forth;The trumpet sounds, the dead awake and sing;The living put on glory; one glad band,They hasten up to meet their coming King.

Short death and darkness! Endless life and light:Short climbing; endless shining in yon sphere,Where all is incorruptible and pure;—The joy without the pain, the smile without the tear.