1 Dear as thou wast, and justly dear,
We would not weep for thee;
One thought shall check the starting tear, --
It is -- that thou art free.

2 And thus shall faith's consoling power
The tears of love restrain;
O, who that saw thy parting hour
Could wish thee here again?

3 Gently the passing spirit fled,
Sustained by grace divine;
O, may such grace on us be shed,
And make our end like thine!