Before He Passed

Before he passed from mortal view.
To where he sleeps beneath the yew,
He said, "Weep not; to thee FU come.
If spirits ever leave that home
Through whose dark gates I go from you."
How firm his promise well I knew;
So as he spake life sweeter grew,

And flowered again my heart in bloom,
Before he passed!
Alas! the sweet hope is not true;
He may not tread the avenue
That leadeth from the nether gloom;
Else would he come to this dear room.
I heard his vow, — God heard it too,
Before he passed!