intervals. Who is not better for thinking over these
sonnets, recalling as they do a peaceful spirit of resignation and
calmness at the approach of the last hour?

"Let others _trembling_ bow,
Angel of Death, before thee;--not to those
Whose spirits with Eternal Truth repose
Art thou a fearful shape. And, oh, for _me_,
How full of welcome would thine aspect shine,
Did not the cords of strong affection twine
So fast around my soul, it _cannot_ spring to thee."

The last of the series is entitled a "Sabbath Sonnet." It was composed
by Mrs. Hemans a few days before her death, and dictated to her brother.
It ends in these words---fit words for the last utterances of a
Christian poet:

"I may not tread
With them those pathways--to the feverish bed
Of sickness bound; yet, O my God, I bless
Thy mercy, that with Sabbath peace hath filled
My chastened heart, and all its throbbings stilled
To one deep calm of lowliest thankfulness."

But we are anticipating. At the end of 1834 Mrs. Hemans was recommended
to try change of air. Most kindly Archbishop Whately placed at her
disposal his country seat of Redesdale, where she had every comfort. But
there was a comfort she had that was not of man's making or man's
giving. "Far better than these indications of recovery is the sweet
religious peace which I feel gradually overshadowing me with its
dove-pinions, excluding all that would exclude thoughts of God."

All around her delighted to ease her suffering and to minister to her
comfort. Especially thoughtful was her faithful attendant. And well was
that attendant repaid in hearing the words which fell from her
mistress's lips. How bright was the testimony of the dying poetess! "I
feel like a tired child wearied, and longing to mingle with the pure in
heart! I feel as if I were sitting with Mary at the feet of my Redeemer,
hearing the music of His voice, and learning of Him to be meek and
lowly." "Oh, Anna, do not you love your kind Saviour? The plan of
redemption was indeed a glorious one; humility was indeed the crowning
work. I am like a quiet babe at His feet, and yet my spirit is full of
His strength. When anybody speaks of His love to me, I feel as if they
were too slow; my spirit can mount alone with Him into those blissful
realms with far more rapidity."

XI.

"THE BETTER LAND" REACHED.

Mrs. Hemans left Redesdale to retu