4489286Poems — H.R.H. The Duchess of TeckAnnie Isabel Curwen
H. R. H. The Duchess of Teck.
OCTOBER 27TH, 1897. Death entered in the royal home, While still the sleeping city lay Shrouded in darkness, for the gloom Of night still shadowed day.
Noiselessly through the stately hall The angel Azrael stole, And to the slumberer soft did call— "Arise! Arise! sweet soul."
Softly his hand on her he laid, While watchers, royal watchers, wept, Saying, "'Tis I, be not afraid," And our good Princess slept.
Closed for ever her beaming eyes, Which aye with loving kindness shone, But in the courts of Paradise She hears her Lord's "Well done."
For that great generous heart of her's Was aye the home of kindly thought, And 'mid the Master's labourers Untiringly she wrought.
So we mourn not as those who mourn Who have no hope wherewith to bless, We know she will again return With added beauteousness;
That on her noble brow which graced The noble coronet below, A richer jewel will be placed, Her loving deeds to show.
O wife beloved! O mother dear! True follower of the Holy Cross; England may weep above thy bier, For thine's the country's loss.