When friend from friend is parting, And in each speaking eye The silent tears are starting, To tell what words deny, How could we bear the heavy load Could we not cast it all, our God, Our gracious God, on thee; And feel that thou kind watch wilt keep When we are far away; That thou wilt soothe us when we weep, And hear us when we pray? MONSELL. Yet must they part, and parting, weep; What else has earth for them in store? These farewell pangs, how sharp and deep! These farewell words, how sad and sore! BONAR. Joyful words, "We meet again!" Love's own language, comfort darting Through the souls of friends at parting: Life in death-"We meet again!" When this weary world is past, Happy they, whose spirits soaring, Vast eternity exploring, "Meet again" in heaven at last! MONTGOMERY. There is a world above, Where parting is unknown; A whole eternity of love 119 Formed for the good alone; And faith beholds the dying here Translated to that happier sphere. MONTGOMERY. And there were sudden partings, such as press The life from out young hearts, and choking sighs Which ne'er might be repeated; who could guess If ever more should meet those mutual eyes, Since upon night so sweet, such awful morn could rise? Like a funeral knell, BYRON. The winds still sighed, "Beloved, fare thee well!" MRS. C. H. W. ESLING. How often is our path Crossed by some being, whose bright spirit sheds A passing gladness o'er it, but whose course ANONYMOUS. Let me go, the day is breaking, Hand in hand, and heart in heart, Wrestling thus with doubts and fears; Angels wait my soul to carry, Where my risen Lord appears; Friends and kindred, weep not so, MONTGOMERY. 122 FATHER-FEAR-FEELING-FELLOWSHIP. Fathers alone a father's heart can know; What secret tides of sweet enjoyment flow When brothers love! But if there hate succeeds, Whispered low the dying soldier, pressed her hand and faintly smiled; Was that pitying face his mother's? did she watch beside her child? They wage the war, but 'tis the father All his stranger words with meaning her wobleeds. YOUNG. man's heart supplied; With her kiss upon bis forehead, "Mother!" murmured he, and died! WHITTIER. |