Last Love

Now for a last glad look upon life : my journey is ending :
Now this door that is Death quietly shuts me behind.
Thankful I hear Love's call — the faithful call of a comrade :
Then all joyful am I, ready to give her my heart.
All through life it is Love hath been my counsellor only :
Hers be the praise alway if I have followed aright.
For as a mother awakes with kisses her slumbering baby,
As she first has a care — as she alone understands —
So has Love been mine, has watched and tended and kissed me :
Near me when I was a child : near me till I was a man.
Thus, mid sorrow or doubt, I have clung to her, learning her lesson :
Now she has made me free — free to rejoice evermore.