Death of Elder Brigham Young,
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

By Lulu L. Greene Richards

Again the pale-browed visitor hath knocked
At the appointed door, and stilled a breath;
By which the multitude’s deep heart is shocked;
for even when expected, death is death!
Another one of Utah’s Pioneers—
Among the brave, among the true and great,
Leaves his loved people to lament in tears,
As he is ushered through the royal gate.

The second Brigham Young, son of the first,
Sought with his noble sire this desert wild;
Knew the dread pangs of hunger and of thirst,
And untold hardships, even when a child.
But this his comrades tell: his merry heart,
Like medicine, was doing good for all:
With jest and mirth he bore the pain and smart,
And sweete4ned oft with cheer the cup of gall.

How much the world hath need of such bright souls!
But when in heaven a need is greater still,
God’s pow’r supreme the circumstance controls,
And earth must bow submissive to His will.
Yet, as though curtains of soft snowy lace,
Warm rays are poured as if from myriad suns,
So faith reflects the smiles of that dear face,
Now glorified among the righteous ones.

Long as a member of the Twelve he moved,
Reliable and faithful to each trust;
Then as the quorum’s president, he proved
A mighty counselor—prudent, strong and just.
His brethren, his family, the Church,
Will miss his genial presence; but his love,
His heart’s best treasure, free to those who search,
Will follow with his works, here and above.

(April 1903)