(_In Memoriam_)

There it lies broken, as a shard,-- What breathed sweet music yesterday; The source, all mute, has passed away With its masked meanings still unmarred.

But melody will never cease! Above the vast cerulean sea Of heaven, created harmony Rings and re-echoes its release!

So, thin dumb instrument that lies All powerless,--[with spirit flown, Beyond the veil of the Unknown To chant its love-hymned litanies,--]

Though it may thrill us here no more With cadenced strain,--in other spheres Will rise above the vanquished years And breathe its music as before!

[Louisville Times]

Written December 7th, 1914.

Rose de Vaux-Royer.

The spirit of Madison Cawein passed at midnight from this world of intimate beauty "To stand a handsbreadth nearer Heaven and what is God!"