The Sunset Hour

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 11
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ARRETON, the quiet hamlet in the Isle of Wight, is rendered immortal by the fact that in its churchyard are buried the remains of the “DAIRYMAN’S DAUGHTER,” whose history has been given us by Legh Richmond, and whose cottage still stands on Hale Common. close by. Her gravestone, placed at the head of the grave in September, 1822, is thus inscribed: “Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Wallbridge, ‘the Dairyman’s Daughter,’ who died May 30th, 1801, aged 31 years. She being dead, yet speaketh.”
Then follow some lines, composed by Legh Richmond:
“Stranger! if e’er by chance or feeling led,
Upon this hallowed turf thy footsteps tread,
Turn from the contemplation of the sod,
And think on her whose spirit rests with God.
Lowly her lot on earth,—but He who bore
Tidings of grace and blessing to the poor,
Gave her His truth and faithfulness to prove,
The choicest treasures of His boundless love:
Faith, that dispelled
Affliction’s darkest gloom;
Hope that could cheer the passage to the tomb;
Peace, that not Hell’s dark legions could destroy;
And love, that filled the soul with heavenly joy.
Death of its sting disarmed, she knew no fear,
But tasted heaven e’en while she lingered here.
Oh, happy saint! may we like thee be blest;
In life be faithful, and in death find rest.”