Poems by George Meredith Volume Iii Part 28

AT THE FUNERAL FEBRUARY 2, 1901

Her sacred body bear: the tenement Of that strong soul now ranked with G.o.d's Elect Her heart upon her people's heart she spent; Hence is she Royalty's lodestar to direct.

The peace is hers, of whom all lands have praised Majestic virtues ere her day unseen.

Aloft the name of Womanhood she raised, And gave new readings to the t.i.tle, Queen.

ANGELA BURDETT-COUTTS

Long with us, now she leaves us; she has rest Beneath our sacred sod: A woman vowed to Good, whom all attest, The daylight gift of G.o.d.

THE YEAR'S SHEDDINGS

The varied colours are a fitful heap: They pa.s.s in constant service though they sleep; The self gone out of them, therewith the pain: Read that, who still to spell our earth remain.