"BY A BLEST HUSBAND GUIDED, MARY CAME"[53]

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by williamwordsworth

by williamwordsworth

Published 1835

[This lady was named Carleton; she, along with a sister, was broughtup in the neighbourhood of Ambleside. The epitaph, a part of it atleast, is in the church at Bromsgrove, where she resided after her marriage.--I.F.]

One of the "Epitaphs and Elegiac Pieces."--ED.

By a blest Husband guided, Mary came

From nearest kindred, Vernon[54] her new name;

She came, though meek of soul, in seemly pride

Of happiness and hope, a youthful Bride.

O dread reverse! if aught be so, which proves

That God will chasten whom he dearly loves.

Faith bore her up through pains in mercy given,

And troubles that were each a step to Heaven:

Two Babes were laid in earth before she died;

A third now slumbers at the Mother's side;

Its Sister-twin survives, whose smiles afford

A trembling solace to her widowed Lord.

Reader! if to thy bosom cling the pain

Of recent sorrow combated in vain;

Or if thy cherished grief have failed to thwart

Time still intent on his insidious part,

Lulling the mourner's best good thoughts asleep,

Pilfering regrets we would, but cannot, keep;

Bear with Him--judge Him gently who makes known

His bitter loss by this memorial Stone;

And pray that in his faithful breast the grace

Of resignation find a hallowed place.

[53] 1837. In the edition of 1835 the title was "Epitaph."

[54] 1837. From nearest kindred, ... 1835.