  HER heart was like a generous fire, Round which a hundred souls could sit And warm them in the unstinted blaze. Those who held nearest place to it Had cheer and comfort all their days; Those who, perforce, were further still Yet felt her radiance melt their chill, Their darkness lightened by her rays. Her heart was like a generous fire! The trivial dross of thought and mind Shrivelled when brought too near its heat, The hidden gold was caught, refined; A subtle effluence keen and sweet From every creature drew its best; Gave inspiration, strength, and rest, Quickened the moral pulse’s beat. Her heart was like a generous fire! Circled by smaller fires in ring, Each lit by her infectious spark To send forth warmth and comforting Into hard paths and by-ways dark. The little fires, they still burn on; But the great kindling flame is gone, Caught up past our imagining. Her heart was like a generous fire! How changed the summer scenes, how chill, How coldly do the mornings break, Since that great heart is quenched and still, Which kept so many hearts awake! O Lord the Light! shine Thou instead, Quicken and trim the fires she fed, And make them burn for her dear sake. |
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