Page:Poems McDonald.djvu/166

How well I know thy crimson coat,
  So garnished o'er with gold !
And half with sorrow, half with smiles,
  The tarnished robe behold.
And fondly I recall the hour,
  When first I saw thee lie
Affection's gift, all glossy bright,
  Beneath my 'raptured eye.

And first, the faded lines I trace,
  Penned by a gentle hand;
They bring to me the fairest face
  That graced a youthful band.
Sweet play-mate of my earlier years—
  Companion of the past!
Thou hast forgot thy life of tears,
  In happier realms at last!

Again I turn the rustling leaf:
  Who comes before me now,
With the light heart that mocked at grief—
  The fair, unclouded brow;