O, MOTHER, dearest ; hast thou e'er
From Heavenly mansions leave to stray
A ministering spirit here
"With me, with me, dear mother, stay.
O'er me a holy influence shed,
Like that which beams in thy bright home ;
No thoughts of fear, or trembling dread,
Are linked with thy loved spirit come !
Come to me in whatever form
The radiant host angelic wear,
Like lightnings flashing 'mid the storm
Or robed in summer clouds so fair.
Thine eye last looked in love on mine,
Even through the gathering haze of death ;
And can a love so deep as thine,
E'er die with this life's fleeting breath?
I see thee not, yet feel thou'rt near,
For all things round me speak of thee ;
E'en as thy voice methinks I hear
In the night-winds' low minstrelsy
