Chaster than the virgin spring, Ere her blossoms she doth bring, Or cause Philomel to sing. If such goodness live ’mongst men, 10 Tell me it: I [shall] know then She is come from heaven again. _Anon._ CXVI _ON THE RELIGIOUS MEMORY OF MRS. CATHERINE THOMSON, MY CHRISTIAN FRIEND._ When Faith and Love, which parted from thee never, Had ripened thy just soul to dwell with God, Meekly thou didst resign this earthly load Of death, called life; which us from life doth sever. Thy works and alms, and all thy good endeavour, 5 Stayed not behind, nor in the grave were trod; But, as Faith pointed with her golden rod, Followed thee up to joy and bliss for ever. Love led them on, and Faith, who knew them best, Thy handmaids, clad them o’er with purple beams 10 And azure wings, that up they flew so drest, And spake the truth of thee on glorious themes Before the Judge; who thenceforth bid thee rest, And drink thy fill of pure immortal streams. _John Milton._ CXVII _AN EPITAPH UPON HUSBAND AND WIFE, WHO DIED AND WERE BURIED TOGETHER._ To these, whom death again did wed, This grave’s their second marriage-bed; For though the hand of Fate could force ’Twixt soul and body a divorce, It could not sunder man and wife, 5 ’Cause they both lived but one life. Peace, good reader, do not weep; Peace, the lovers are asleep: They (sweet turtles) folded lie In the last knot that love could tie. 10 And though they lie as they were dead, Their pillow stone, their sheets of lead; (Pillow hard, and sheets not warm) Love made the bed, they’ll take no harm. Let them sleep, let them sleep on, 15 Till this stormy night be gone, And the eternal morrow dawn; Then the curtains will be drawn, And they wake into that light, Whose day shall never die in night. 20 _Richard Crashaw._ CXVIII _EPITAPH._ Here lies a piece of Christ; a star in dust; A vein of gold; a china dish that must Be used in heaven, when God shall feast the just. _Robert Wild._ CXIX _EPITAPH ON COMPANIONS LEFT BEHIND IN THE NORTHERN SEAS._