100/123 The father dug her grave near by their humble dwelling; he made the rough coffin in which they enclosed her; and then bore out the body and laid it in the ground, while the weeping mother stood by his side. Sole mourners were they at these sad funereal rites. No holy words from the book of consolation were read, no solemn hymn was sung--all was silence, heart-oppressing silence. His next child was taken sick. His wife was far from being well, and he felt strangely. |