WHO are the Spirits watching by the dead? Faith, from whose eyes a solemn light is shed; And Hope, with far-off sunshine on the head. The influence of the dead is that of Heaven; To it a majesty of power is given, Working on earth with a diviner leaven. To them belongs all high and holy thought; The mind whose mighty empire they have wrought; And grief, whose comfort was by angels brought. And gentle Pity comes, and brings with her Those pensive dreams that their own light confer; While Love stands watching by the sepulchre. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LAMB, FR. SONGS OF INNOCENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE THE RUNAWAY SLAVE AT PILGRIM'S POINT by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING SONNET COMPOSED ON A JOURNEY HOMEWARD by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE A SPIRITUAL by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR |