My friends, the spirit is at peace;
Oh do not trouble me with tears;
Petition rather my release,
Nor covet for me length of years,
Which are but weariness and woe;
Resign me friends, before I go!
I know how strong are human ties;
I know how strong is human fear!
But visions open to mine eyes,
And words of power are in mine ear;
My friends, my friends, can ye not see,
Nor hear what voices speak to me?
“Thou human soul,” they seem to say,
“We are commissioned from above,
Through the dark portal to convey
Thee to the paradise of love;
Thou needest not shrink, thou need’st not fear;
We, thy sure help, are gathered near!
“Thy weakness on our strength confide;
Thy doubt upon our steadfast trust;
And rise up, pure and glorified,
From thine infirm and sinful dust,
Rise up, rise up! the eternal day
Begins to dawn—why wilt thou stay?
“Look forth—the day begins to dawn;
The future openeth to thy view;
The veil of mystery is undrawn;
The old things are becoming new;
The night of time is passing by:
Poor trembler, do not fear to die!
“Come, come! the gates of pearl unfold:
The eternal glory shines on thee;
Body, relax thy lingering hold,
And set the struggling spirit free!”
’Tis done, ’tis done!—before my sight
Opens the awful infinite:
I see, I hear, I live anew!
Oh friends, dear friends,—adieu, adieu!