To Two Sisters - On The Death Of A Younger Sister

Well may you sit within, and, fond of grief,
Look in each other's face, and melt in tears;
Well may you shun all counsel, all relief -
Oh she was great in mind, tho' young in years!
Changed is that lovely countenance, which shed
Light when she spoke; and kindled sweet surprise,
As o'er her frame each warm emotion spread,
Played round her lips, and sparkled in her eyes.
Those lips so pure, that moved but to persuade,
Still to the last enlivened and endeared;
Those eyes at once her secret soul conveyed,
And ever beamed delight when you appeared.
Yet has she fled the life of bliss below,
That youthful Hope in bright perspective drew?
False were the tints! false as the feverish glow
That o'er her burning cheek Distemper threw!
And now in joy she dwells, in glory moves!
(Glory and joy reserved for you to share);
Far, far more blest in blessing those she loves,
Than they, alas! unconscious of her care.