so sweet the memory...

Rev. William B.O.Peabody was a scholar, minister, and lover of nature.  Instrumental in the creation of the Springfield Cemetery a monument was dedicated some years after his death (pictured.)  The ceremony was concluded with the singing of this hymn written by Rev. Peabody...

"AUTUMN HYMN.

BY THE LATE REV. W .B. O. PEABODY, D. D.

Behold the western evening light!

It melts in deeper gloom ;

So calm the righteous sink away,

Descending to the tomb.

The winds breathe low—the yellow leaf
Scarce whispers from the tree !
So gently flows the parting breath,
When good men cease to be.

How beautiful, on all the hills,
The crimson light is shed ! '
Tis like the peace the dying gives
To mourners round his bed.

How mildly on the wandering cloud
The sunset beam is cast!
So sweet the memory left behind,
When loved ones breathe their last.

And, lo ! above the dews of night
The vesper star appears !
So faith lights up the mourner's heart,
Whose eyes are dim with tears.

Night falls, but soon the morning light
Its glories shall restore ;
And thus the eyes that sleep in death
Shall wake to close no more."

Blessings