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A Power is passing from the earth
To breathless Nature's dark abyss;
But when the Mighty pass away
What is it more than this,
That Man, who is from God sent forth,
Doth yet again to God return?—
Such ebb and flow must ever be;
Then wherefore should we mourn?
Written, November 13, 1814, on a blank leaf in a Copy of the Author's Poem the Excursion, upon hearing of the death of the late Vicar of Kendal.
To public notice, with reluctance strong,
Did I deliver this unfinished Song;
Yet for one happy issue;—and I look
With self-congratulation on the Book
Which pious, learned Murfitt saw and read;—
Upon my thoughts his saintly Spirit fed;
He conn'd the new-born Lay with grateful heart;
Foreboding not how soon he must depart,
Unweeting that to him the joy was given
Which good Men take with them from Earth to Heaven.
