The ways of Death are soothing and serene, br And all the words of Death are grave and sweet. br From camp and church, the fireside and the street, br She beckons forth – and strife and song have been. br br A summer night descending cool and green br And dark on daytime’s dust and stress and heat, br The ways of death are soothing and serene, br And all the words of Death are grave and sweet. br br O, glad and sorrowful, with triumphant mien br And radiant faces, look upon and greet br This last of all your lovers, and to meet br The kiss, the Comforter’s, your spirit lean …. br The ways of Death are soothing and serene.