“By A Blest Husband Guided, Mary Came”[53]

Published 1835

[This lady was named Carleton; she, along with a sister, was brought up in the neighbourhood of Ambleside. The epitaph, a part of it at least, 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 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.

1837.

In the edition of 1835 the title was “Epitaph.”

1837.

From nearest kindred, …

1835.