Poems (Holmes)/On Parting with Friends
On Parting with Friends.
Say, say not our friendship is o'er, E'en though we are called to partBut grant me the boon I desire, Still fondly to dwell in each heart.Bright, bright in my memory rise The hours I have passed with you,And warmly I'll cherish them yet, Long after we have bidden adieu.Still, still, in my heart ye shall live, Though distance may sever us far,To cheer my sad spirit each day, Your kindness shall rise as a star.Yes, yes, I will cherish for you Pure gratitude, mingled with love,And pray your devotion to me May please the Great Spirit above.Swift, swift have the days fled away, Since our hearts in friendship were twined;Unchanged may the wreath still remain, That firmly our spirits now bind.Deep, deep is the sadness that steals O'er my heart while breathing this knellThat parts me from you, dearest friends, And bids me to say, fare ye well.