For five long weary months I lay Upon a bed of pain; Full many a restless night and day, With fever on my brain. My gentle wife, with silent tread, The guardian angel round my bed! She nursed me, oh! how faithfully! But why bring this to mind? For she was ever thus to me, Affectionate and kind – My gentle wife, with silent tread, The guardian angel round my bed. She bathed my heated brow with balm, To soothe me into sleep; And, when she found my spirit calm, She stole away to weep – My gentle wife, with silent tread, The guardian angel round my bed, One day she lovingly drew nigh, With tenderness and care; And, bending o'er me with a sigh, She breathed this fervent prayer – My gentle wife, with silent tread, The guardian angel round my bed: – "Oh, Thou who reign'st enthroned above, Forgive my husband dear; Fill him, O God, with holy love, And yet retain him here: And may he hear the healing tread Of thine own angel round his bed. "But if his last sad hour be come, The solemn hour of death, Oh, take his spirit safely home When he resigns his breath; While Jesus, with his silent tread, Re guardian angel round his bed."