Page:Poems Curwen.djvu/31

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in memoriam.
23

IN MEMORIAM.


H. R. H. The Duke of Clarence.
Not for them the gladsome ringing
Of the merry wedding bell;
But for him the mournful tolling
Of the sad funeral knell.

Not for her the bridal blossoms,
The fair white orange wreath;
But for her the "crown of sorrow,"
For him the flowers of death.

Not for them the choral service,
For bride and bridegroom dear.
Instead, the solemn dirges
Chanted above a bier.

"Man proposes, God disposes;
Who could foresee his doom,
Or think that path of roses
Was leading to a tomb?

O gentle Alexandria,
In cottage as in hall,
There are loyal hearts that ache for thee,
And loving tears that fall.