BROOKSIDE, BOURNEMOUTH. No. 31. "Thou art not dead, my precious one, But to a better home, Blest in the rich exchange, art gone Where sorrow cannot come." "Thou art not dead, my precious one, An endless life is thine; To follow whither thou art gone By Faith and Love be mine." (Kilvert's Remains, pp. 40, 41.) AVING now briefly alluded to the places with which Mr. KEBLE was principally connected during his lifetime, it is our sad task to direct the reader's mind to the house in which he died. From October, 1865, till his death in March, 1866, he was entirely resident at Bournemouth. At first he had there an inconvenient lodging, but it was soon exchanged for Brookside, which will henceforth become famous as the great Christian Poet's last home on earth. This cheerful house (situated by the side of the bourne or brook near its mouth, and a short distance from the Baths) faces the south and east, looking towards the sea, of which it has an extensive view. Bournemouth was just the place for the holy man. The church and its services were well accordant with his heavenly tastes; the daily prayer and frequent communion were great comforts to him, the seashore was a constant source of interest and delight. We can fancy many an invalided clergyman, in years yet to come, going to Bournemouth to recruit his health, (or it may be to spend his last days on earth,) with eagerness asking which was the Poet's last home, and looking with deep reverence upon that house in which the spirit of the author of "The Christian Year" fled from its prison-house of earth. We may trust that the memory of Mr. and Mrs. KEBLE—two saints who are gone-may be of use to some in that quiet watering-place, as a help in preparing for the rest which is without doubt their portion for ever. "Then look not thou for rest below, But seek that lasting home, Where joys in boundless measure flow, And change no more can come." (Kilvert's Remains, p. 35.) They are at rest : We may not stir the heaven of their repose." (Lyra Apostolica, p. 63.) |