Loss and gain

When a soul that shines both strong and sweet

From fearless eyes, and makes the world complete,

Vanishes, like foam upon the shore,

Is the earth more desert than before?

Nay! that soul on death its beauty lays,

Casts a splendor down the sunless ways;

Nay! the sky burns bluer, and the night

Soars to follow it a hallowed height!