On the Religious Memory of Mrs. Catherine Thomason, My Christian Friend, Deceased December 16, 1646

By John Milton, sonnet #14, composed in 1646.

When Faith and Love which parted from thee never,
Had ripened thy just soul to dwell with God,
Meekly thou didst resign this earthy load
Of Death, call'd Life; which us from Life doth sever.
Thy Works and Alms and all thy good Endeavor,
Stay'd not behind, nor in the grave were trod;
But as Faith pointed with her golden rod,
Followed thee up to joy and bliss for ever.
Love led them on, and Faith, who knew them best
Thy handmaids, clad them o'er with purple beams
And azure wings, that up they flew so drest,
And spake the truth of thee in glorious Themes
Before the Judge; who thenceforth bid thee rest
And drink thy fill of pure immortal streams.