The Grave No Terror To The Virtuous Poem by John Bowring

There is no terror in the grave
For him who, in its gloominess,
Perceives Thy hand, outstretched to save,
Thy welcoming smile that waits to bless;
For him who knows and feels that he
Is born for immortality;


And, keeping steadfast in his view,
That bright, sublime, and awful goal,
Moves all life's course serenely through,
With humble heart and grateful soul;
And gathers from vicissitude
Virtue and strength, and joy and good.


The grave to him is but the door
Where angels wait and say, 'All hail!
Welcome where grief afflicts no more:
Come! thou hast passed life's tearful vale;
Now enter on eternity,
For we are sent to welcome thee.'