The Three

Thou who ne’er thy radiant face

From the greatest sinners hides,
Thou who Thine atoning grace

Through eternity provident,

Let this soul, by virtue stirr’d,

Self-forgetful though when living,
That perceived not that it err’d,

Feel thy mercy, sin forgiving!

UNA POENITENTIUM.
(Once named Margaret, pressing near them.)

Oh radiance-spreading One,

Who equall’d art by none,
In mercy view mine ecstasy!

For he whom erst I loved,

No more by sorrow proved,
Returns at length to me!

BEATIFIED CHILDREN.
(Approaching as they hover round.)

He now in strength of limb

Far doth outweigh us,
And, as we tended him,

So will repay us.
Early removed were we

Far from life’s story;
Train’d now himself, will he

Train us in glory.

The Penitent, once named Margaret.

Link’d with the noble band of spirits,

Scarce can the new one feel or see
The radiant life he now inherits,

So like that holy band is he.
See how he bursts each bond material,

And parts the olden veil at length,—
In vesture clad of grace ethereal,

Comes in the glow of youthful strength.
Oh, let me guide his steps victorious,

While dazzled by the new-born light.