She sat within Life's Banquet Hall at noon,
When word was brought unto her secretly:—
"The Master cometh onwards quickly; soon
Across the Threshold He will call for thee."
Then she rose up to meet Him at the Door,
But turning, courteous, made a farewell brief
To those that sat around. From Care and Grief
She parted first:—"Companions sworn and true
Have ye been ever to me, but for Friends
I knew ye not till later, and did miss
Much solace through that error; let this kiss,
Late known and prized, be taken for amends.
Thou, too, kind, constant Patience, with thy slow,
Sweet counsels aiding me, I did not know
That ye were angels, until ye display'd
Your wings for flight; now bless me."
But they said, "We blest thee long ago."

Then turning unto twain
That stood together, tenderly and oft
She kiss'd them on their foreheads, whispering soft:
''Now must we part; yet leave me not before
Ye see me enter safe within the Door,
Kind bosom-comforters, that by my side
The darkest hour found ever closest bide.
A dark hour waits me, ere for evermore
Night with its heaviness is overpast;
Be with me till I cross the Threshold o'er."
So Faith and Hope stayed by her till the last.