[Man’s] days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
Psalm 103:15–16
Words: Robert C. Waterston, in the American Unitarian Cheshire Pastoral Association Christian Hymns, 1844, number 668.
Music: Lydia (Stebbins) George C. Stebbins (1848–1945) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Waterston (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
One bright flower has drooped and faded,
One sweet youthful voice has fled,
One fair brow the grave has shaded,
One dear school-mate now is dead.
We would feel no pang of sadness,
For our friend is happy now;
She has knelt in soul-felt gladness
Where the blessèd angels bow.
She has gone to Heaven before us,
But she turns and waves her hand,
Pointing to the glories o’er us,
In that happy spirit-land.
Lord, do Thou keep watch above us,
Keep us all from error free;
Let Thy Spirit guide and love us,
Till, like her, we go to Thee.