FARE thee well, thou lovely stranger,
Guardian angels take your charge,
Freed at once from pain and danger,
Happy spirit set at large.
Life’s most bitter cup just tasting,
Short thy passage to the tomb,
O’er the barrier swiftly hasting
To thine everlasting home.
Death his victim still pursuing,
Ever to his purpose true,
Soon her placid cheek bedewing,
Robbed it of its rosy hue;
Sealed those eyes, so lately beaming
Innocence and joy so mild:
Every look, so full of meaning,
Seemed t’ endear the lovely child.
In the silent tomb we leave her
Till the resurrection morn,
When her Saviour shall receive her,
And restore her lovely form.
Then, dear Lord, we hope to meet her
In thy happy courts above,
There with heavenly joy to greet her,
And resound redeeming love!