Few the words which it contained, But each word was like a sigh; “I am sick and very lonely;— Let me see thee ere I die! “In this time of tribulation Thou wilt be a friend to me: Therefore in the Temple Gardens Let me once more speak with thee.” Once more in the Temple Gardens Sat they ’neath the bright blue sky, With the leafage thick around them, And the river rolling by. Pale and weak was Richard Burnell, Gone all merely outward grace, Yet the stamp of meek endurance Gave sad beauty to his face. Silent by his side sat Alice, Now no word her tongue could speak, All her soul was steeped in pity, And large tears were on her cheek. Burnell spake; “Within these Gardens Thy commands on me were laid, And although my heart was breaking Yet were those commands obeyed. “What I suffered no one knoweth, Nor shall know, I proudly said, And, when grew the grief too mighty, Then—there was no help—I fled. “Yes, I loved thee, long had loved thee, And alone the God above, He, who at that time sustained me, Knows the measure of my love! “Do not let these words displease thee; Life’s sore battle will soon cease; I have fallen amid the conflict, But within my soul is peace. “It has been a fiery trial, But the fiercest pang is past; Once more I am come amongst you— Oh, stand by me at the last! “Leonard will at times come to me, And thy father, I will try To be cheerful in his presence, As I was in days gone by. “Bitter had it been to leave him, But in all my heart’s distress, The great anguish which consumed me, Seemed to swallow up the less. “Let me go! my soul is wearied, No fond heart of me has need, Life has no more duties for me;— I am but a broken reed! “Let me go, ere courage faileth, Gazing, gazing thus on thee!— But in life’s last awful moment, Alice! thou wilt stand by me!” From her seat rose Alice Woodvil, And in stedfast tones began, Like a strong yet mourning angel, To address the dying man.