Sister of Mercy! hast them fled the earth,
No more to light the felon's doleful cell
With gospel-lamp, to him a glorious birth
Of freedom from sin's dark abyss of hell.

Sister of mercy! how thy mellow voice,
Hath cheered the captive sinking in despair;
Taught by thy lips, tho' guilty, to rejoice,
For God in Jesus hears the prisoner's prayer!

Thou wast not of the world, and yet thy feet
Were bold to mount the stately palace stair,
To sue for him, whose weary eyes ne'er greet
The light of day, or lips the balmy air!

Thou wast not of the world, and yet there came
King's footsteps to thy door all reverently,
And Prussia's monarch did not think it shame,
To leave thy presence with a weeping eye.

Oh! sainted sister! we would call thee back,
And like the sovereign charities of life,
Hold thee for aye, where most we feel the lack
Of angel-spirits in the world's loud strife!