To the Memory of Margaret Tighe

Sweet, placid Spirit! blest, supremely blest.
Whose life was tranquil, and whose end was rest;
'Tis not for thee our general tears shall flow,
Our loss is selfish, selfish is our woe:
We mourn a common parent, common friend,
Centre, round whom thy children loved to bend:
Where hands divided, met again to move
In one sweet circle of united love:
We mourn the tender, sympathising heart
So prompt to aid, and share the sufferer's part;
The liberal hand, the kindly patient ear,
Pity's soft sigh, and ever ready tear;
The graceful form, yet lovely in decay,
The peace inspiring eye's benignant ray;
The lip of tenderness that soothed the sad.
And loved to bid the innocent be glad;
The gently, softening, reconciling word,
The ever cheerful, hospitable board:
The unassuming wisdom, pious prayers,
The still renewed, prolonged, maternal cares:
All — all are lost! — of thee, blest Saint, bereft,
We mourn, to whom impoverished life is left: '':
Mourn for ourselves! Secure thy lot must be,
With those who pure in heart their God shall see.