TO R. F.
203
So fairly, through the swiftly passing years
Has friendship bloomed, with changing time and breath,
With holy thought that strengthens and endears,
With love that mocks at chance and laughs at death.
Has friendship bloomed, with changing time and breath,
With holy thought that strengthens and endears,
With love that mocks at chance and laughs at death.
If in our hearts to-night,—O friend revered
Above the common lot of common men,—
By each best hope of love and life endeared,
The sense of loss falls blindly now and then;
Above the common lot of common men,—
By each best hope of love and life endeared,
The sense of loss falls blindly now and then;
Yet do we feel with every throb of grief
The straining of some bond, so strong and pure
That the sore spirit works its own relief
And firmly rises, braver to endure.
The straining of some bond, so strong and pure
That the sore spirit works its own relief
And firmly rises, braver to endure.
There is no parting that can take thee hence;
There are no ties that thus so lightly tall;
Through every pulse of upward life and sense,
Holding thy heart, we hold thee once for all.
There are no ties that thus so lightly tall;
Through every pulse of upward life and sense,
Holding thy heart, we hold thee once for all.
And howsoever chance or fate divide,
Or lands or sea between our paths be thrown,
Still will we share thy hope, thy joy, thy pride,
Still will we claim and call thee all our own.
Or lands or sea between our paths be thrown,
Still will we share thy hope, thy joy, thy pride,
Still will we claim and call thee all our own.
