Poems (Hale)/Farewell

by Mary Whitwell Hale

For works with similar titles, see Farewell.

FAREWELL.

Farewell! a spell of magic powerIs lingering round this parting hour;And deep within my spirit swellFeelings which words in vain would tell.

Farewell! as strangers meet we met;But now a holier seal is set:As friends we breathe the parting strain,Trusting in love to meet again.

Farewell! thine eye with joy is bright;Few be the clouds that-dim its light.Thy heart,—a stranger may not knowIts secret bliss, its secret wo.

Farewell! yet on that sweetest shrineLove still would lay its gift divine;And holy truth the offering seal,Which words alone can ne'er reveal.

Farewell! the choicest gifts of Heaven,To cheer thy onward path be given:Thy life be blest with friends sincere,The many kind, the few most dear.