On the Death of Thee

On the death of thee There's little joy in life for me, And little terror in the grave: I've lived the parting hour to see Of one I would have died to save. Calmly to watch the failing breath, Wishing each sigh might be the last; Longing to see the shade of death Over those beloved features cast; The cloud, the stillness that must part The darling of my life from me; And then to thank God from my heart, to thank him well and fervently: Although i knew that we had lost The hope and glory of our life; And now , benighted, tempest-tossed, Must bear alone the weary strife