Rest, Dearest, Rest

By Evan Stephens

Rest, dearest, rest on earth’s calm breast,
Bright stars will o’er thee vigils keep.
The sun and moon, yon mountains steep,
Will guard the bed where thou dost sleep
Till God shall break thy slumber deep.

Sleep, dearest, sleep; sweet flowers shall keep
The landscape fair above thy head,
As shining dew drops gently shed
Diffusing moisture overhead,
Refresh the green sward o’er thy bed.

Peace, perfect peace, and sweet release
From earthly sorrows now are thine.
Into God’s hands we now resign
The treasured dust our hearts enshrine.
God keep and raise thee, all divine.

(1920)