XXIX.

AFTERMATH.

The murmuring of bees has ceased; But murmuring of some Posterior, prophetic, Has simultaneous come, --

The lower metres of the year, When nature's laugh is done, -- The Revelations of the book Whose Genesis is June.

IV. TIME AND ETERNITY.

I.

This world is not conclusion; A sequel stands beyond, Invisible, as music, But positive, as sound.

It beckons and it baffles; Philosophies don't know, And through a riddle, at the last, Sagacity must go.

To guess it puzzles scholars; To gain it, men have shown Contempt of generations, And crucifixion known.

II.

We learn in the retreating How vast an one Was recently among us.

A perished sun

Endears in the departure How doubly more Than all the golden presence It was before!

III.

They say that 'time a.s.suages,' -- Time never did a.s.suage; An actual suffering strengthens, As sinews do, with age.

Time is a test of trouble, But not a remedy.

If such it prove, it prove too There was no malady.

IV.

We cover thee, sweet face.

Not that we tire of thee, But that thyself fatigue of us; Remember, as thou flee, We follow thee until Thou notice us no more, And then, reluctant, turn away To con thee o'er and o'er, And blame the scanty love We were content to show, Augmented, sweet, a hundred fold If thou would'st take it now.

V.

ENDING.

That is solemn we have ended, -- Be it but a play, Or a glee among the garrets, Or a holiday,

Or a leaving home; or later, Parting with a world We have understood, for better Still it be unfurled.

VI.

The stimulus, beyond the grave His countenance to see, Supports me like imperial drams Afforded royally.

VII.

Given in marriage unto thee, Oh, thou celestial host!

Bride of the Father and the Son, Bride of the Holy Ghost!

Other betrothal shall dissolve, Wedlock of will decay; Only the keeper of this seal Conquers mortality.

VIII.

That such have died enables us The tranquiller to die; That such have lived, certificate For immortality.

IX.

They won't frown always, -- some sweet day When I forget to tease, They'll recollect how cold I looked, And how I just said 'please.'