Rosewood Casket

In a little rosewood casket
That is resting on the stand
There's a package of old letters
Written by a cherished hand.

Will you go and bring them sister
And read them all tonight
I have often tried but could not
For the tears would blind my sight.

Come up closer to me sister
Let me lean upon thy breast
For the tide of life is ebbing
And I fain would be at rest.

Bring the letters he has written
He whose voice I've often heard
Read them over love distinctly
For I've cherished every word.

Tell him sister, when you see him
That I never ceased to love
That I dying prayed to meet him
In the better world above.

Tell him that I was supported
Ne'er a word of censure spoke
But his silence and his absence
This poor heart hath well nigh broke.

I am ready now my sister
You may read the letters o'er
I will listen to the words of
Him who I shall see no more.

And e'er you shall have finished
Should I calmly fall asleep
Fall asleep in death and wake not
Dearest sister do not weep.