A– M–
Alas, that fairest flowers must fall at last!
Alas, that earth should lose such men as he,
And we be reft of one whose courtesy
Made glad the very children as he passed!
In finest mould his gentle soul was cast,
Learning and wisdom his in large degree;
His days were spent in calm serenity
Communing with the great ones of the Past.
Farewell, rare friend! All empty is thy place,
And e’er shall be; yet we who stay behind
Sweet comfort take as reverently we scan
Thy blameless life, that fine and courtly grace
Of thine, which, wedded to a noble mind,
Made rich ‘the grand old name of gentleman’.
(John Russell Hayes)
More Poetry from John Russell Hayes:
John Russell Hayes Poems based on Topics: Soul, Mind, Place, Friendship, Life, Past, Education, Learning- The Old-Fashioned Garden (John Russell Hayes Poems)
- A Dream Of Other Days (John Russell Hayes Poems)
- England (John Russell Hayes Poems)
- Whittier's Birthday (John Russell Hayes Poems)
- Sweet Spring Is Here (John Russell Hayes Poems)
- The Fairies' Supper (John Russell Hayes Poems)