How blest the righteous when he dies!

When sinks a trusting soul to rest,

How mildly beam the closing eyes,

How gently heaves the expiring breast!

So fades a summer cloud away;

So sinks the gale when storms are o’er;

So gently shuts the eye of day;

So dies a wave along the shore.

A holy quiet reigns around,

A calm which life nor death destroys;

And naught disturbs that peace profound

Which his unfettered soul enjoys.

Farewell, conflicting hopes and fears,

Where lights and shades alternate dwell!

How bright the unchanging morn appears!

Farewell, inconstant world, farewell!

Life’s duty done, as sinks the clay,

Light from its load the spirit flies;

While guardian angels gently say,

“How blest the righteous when he dies!”