POEMS OF JAMES RYDER RANDALL
When thou wert rapt away
By the stern tide,
I taught thee how to pray—
In innocence abide.
So, though thy call was brief,
With no good-bye,
I know, with firm belief,
’Twas well to die.
Thy piety and worth
Were all secure;
Yea, from thy Christian birth
Thy days were pure.
And so, the God of love
Claimed thee His own.
Thy spirit winged above
To seek its throne.
Father and mother both
Gave thee to bliss;
Resigned, however loath,
Thy parting kiss.
We learned to bless the hour
Thy soul should be
Beyond all sinful power
And grandly free.
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