O how shall I warble myself for the dead one there I loved? And how shall I deck my song for the large sweet soul that has gone? And what shall my perfume be for the grave of him I love?
The Writer is asking how he can express his love and grief for someone who has died. He wants to sing for them, but doesn’t know how to make it worthy. He wonders how to make his tribute beautiful enough for the kind soul who is gone. He’s also asking what gift or offering he can bring to their grave to show his love.