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The Philander Chase letters were written in the 18th and 19th century and therefore may contain language that we understand today as harmful or offensive. You may encounter paternalist descriptions of Native Americans, racial slurs, or sexism. For more information, see our policy page.
Description
"Lines inscribed to the memory of Bp. Chase"
Date
11-11-1853
Keywords
Bassett, poem, poetry, song, music, lines, verse, death of Philander Chase
Recommended Citation
Bassett, ""Lines inscribed to the Memory of Bp. Chase"" (1853). Philander Chase Letters. 1396.
https://digital.kenyon.edu/chase_letters/1396
Rights Statement
Transcript
Lines inscribed to the memory of Bishop Chase
Bury me not with pageant and pride
The rich and the great and the gay beside
But let me below ‘neath my chosen shade
With graves of the lowly around me made
For all unbefitting
The graves deep repose
Are the pomp & the pride
Which the world bestows
Lay me to rest in my chosen spot
Where the surging waves of strife reach not
Where gentle hands a flower may plant
And birds of the bowes my requiem chant
Neath that deep sylvan shade
Gently lay me to rest
With the green arch above
And the turf on my breast
Lay me to rest for beneath the sun
My course so finished, my race is run
No earthward throbbings my heart now distress
And no gloomy doubts thy spirit oppress
But calm as the slumbers
If innocence blest
Do I sweetly recline
On the Saviour’s breast.
Calmly I sink to the peaceful tomb
It wears for me no shadow of gloom
But round it there gathers a halo bright
And shining ones to its precincts invite
They wait for my spirit
They come to me now
Soft breezes unearthly
Are fanning my brow
Servant of God what honors are thine
Lowly and meek like thy Master divine
No lofty dome need be reared to thy name
Thy labors of love speak thy unsought fame
Rest, Rest from thy labors
Receive thy reward
The rest that remains to
The people of God
Bassett
November 11th 1853