Monumental Inscription

Earth! guard what here we lay in holy trust,
That which hath left our home a darken’d place,
Wanting the form, the smile, now veil’d with dust,
The light departed with our loveliest face.
Yet from thy bonds our sorrow’s hope is free--
We have but lent the beautiful to thee.

But thou, O heaven! keep, keep what thou hast taken,
And with our treasure keep our hearts on high;
The spirit meek, and yet by pain unshaken,
The faith, the love, the lofty constancy--
Guide us where these are with our sister flown:
They were of Thee, and thou hast claim’d thine own!