BETA

To His Memory.

Charles Dickens ! Henceforth let the name be softly, gently
spoken :1
The silver cord of life is loosed—the golden bowl is broken.2
Oh ! who shall now, before the great, set forth the poor man’s
feelings,3
And win him kindlier, sweeter thought through delicate revealings ?4
Charles Dickens ! Many a one has been, in the path of classic
glory,5
Beyond him far in song of war, in thrilling, ancient story ;6
But who, like him, the barrier high ’twixt rich and poor removing,7
Has led the differing classes all, to be together loving ?8
Charles Dickens ! Oh, so free from pomp, from undue exaltation :9
The poor man was his brother still—while worshipped by the
nation.10
Mothers and maidens stand aghast, as by a friend forsaken,11
When they hear the sad death-news of him, whom God has
gently taken.12
Charles Dickens ! Aye, our crownèd Queen grew pale and sad-
dened-hearted,13
When told the worth and genius bright which had from earth
departed ;14
Oh, let us lay him down to rest where our greatest dead are
sleeping,15
And bowing to our Father’s will grow calmer in our weeping !16
Charles Dickens ! He is with us yet, our lives shall gladness borrow17
From the cheery tale, that sparkles—o’er the dull, dark cloud of sorrow ;18
Often our weary hearts shalle be to laughter gently stirred,19
And our children’s children keep his name,—a happy Household
Word !20
June 14th, 1870.