Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-06-17
BY U, W: v.

How much we erred in loving him
Well not attempt to tell,
Nor how these stricken souls of ours
In wickedness rebel:
But while in utter darkness we
Are groaning meath the rod,
We know he filled our sinful hearts,
And left no space for God.
So let us in the ashes kneel
And ask to be forgiven,
Oh let us have no idols here
They'll shut us out of heaven.
But let us pray for stronger faith
While tempests rage within,
And let these wounded, bleeding hearts
Be cleansed from every sin.
What bitter and upbraiding thoughts
Are daily springing up,
And not drop of healing balm
In this remorseful cup.
He saw no Christian flowers in
The crooked paths we trod
And from our walk he never knew
We had been born of God.
We stood beside his patient couch.
We saw him sinking fast,
But loving lips and tickle hopes
Deceived him to the last.
o patient and undaunted Glenn!
What fearless struggles he
Made here to stay in this bright world
Where he SO much could see.
But when he felt the sickle KEEN"
He bravely faced the tide,
And like grand old warrior laid
His trophies down, and died.
While heroes die on battle fields,
They often die elsewhere;
And these sad tears are falling round
A hero's vacant chair.
We hear the faithful mothers sobs,
The fathers piteous groans.
The anguish of their broken hearts
To us is all unknown.
o human skill! o human hands
What wonderous work you did,
But His Almighty ways and plans
In mysteries are hid.
And these afflicted parents now.
Seem not to understand
The poisoned shaft was guided by
A kind unerring hand.
o lonely parents, murmur not,
But meekly kiss the rod,
And listen while He says-"Be still.
And know that am God"
We see the sisters sable robes,
We see the tears they she'd
Their gay, proud, dashing brothers gone
His gallant spirits fed.
He'll come no more to gladden. them
With his bright handsome face;
But none within their youthful hearts
Can ever take his place.
For kindly hearts and loving deeds
He was excelled by few.
And all around his pretty home
An Incarnation threw.
Upon that fair and open brow
Were truth and honor bright
He never wronged fellow man
Nor took the widows mite.''
o Father, DER the brothers watch,
And keep them nearer Thee;
Oh! let them not dishonor God
No matter where they be.
Their dear and noble brother speaks
Tho cold beneath the sod
He says to them in warning tones
"Prepare to meet thy God"
We think Of three gay, romping boys
Who used to come and go;
We little dreamed for one OF them
So soon our tears would flow;
They bounded in the welcome door
They filed the house with glee,
And they were just as happy then
AS boys could ever be.
But here no more that jolly band
Will revel in delight,
For yonder in his narrow bed
Hes sleeping just in sight.
Oh! may his many noble friends
In heavens blessings share.
And may they walk in wisdom's ways
And spotless garments wear.
And among the mourning ones
A widowed heart there be
Oh! may its refuge and defense
Be Gods own panoply.
May angels hover over her,
With healing in their wings;
And may her joys and pleasures be
What pure conscience brings.
Among the unpretending pearls
May she be sought and found,
And then at last up yonder be,
With all her loved ones crowned.
She'll know among the millions there
The hero of my theme,
The charms that made him lovely here
VIII there with beauty TEEN.
She'll know that lofty bearing, too,
She'll know that graceful tread,
She'll know the smile that vanished not
When his proud spirit fed,
She'll know the great dark, Wondrous eye
That wore magic spell:
Which seemed SO full of sadness, when
They last upon her fell.