The years have passed in ceaseless round Since first they laid her here to rest In dreamless sleep beneath the silent mound, With folded hands upon her gentle breast.
O gifted one of the Sunny South, with lips so eloquent, In whose great heart no malice e'er was found! And now thou art a messenger of Peace, by heaven sent...
"Gone to his exceeding great reward," The friend of rich and poor alike; And there'll rest not beneath the sward More shining mark that death could strike. ...
By magic spell was I entranced When on me first thy brown eyes glanced, And sunbeams played at hide and seek Thro' silken ringlets on thy dimpling cheek, And like some glorious halo shed...