Classic Poem

How beautiful the golden ray
That lingered on the breast of even,
As if it sought to bear away
One sacred hour from earth to Heaven.

That hour had sealed a treasure thine —
A being gentle as a dove
Far from her childhood's native clime,
Had pledged to thee her life — her love.

The captive bird will gaily sing,
If nourished by a gentle hand;
But oh! how soon will droop its wing,
If wounded in a stranger land.

Confiding now she clings to thee,
Hangs on thine every look and tone;
Thou must her only guardian be —
Remember she is thine alone.

Perchance some thought of other years
May wake a sad unbidden sigh;
Thou wilt not chide it or the tears
That tremble in her glistening eye.

A mother's voice, a father's smile,
Will come at twilight's pensive hour;
Though other scenes her heart beguile,
'Twill ne'er forget its native bower.

In thought I see the sloping hill,
Where stands thy lovely western cot; —
I seem to hear the rippling rill,
That bids you welcome to the spot.

And ye will go! — another week
Will not its rapid circuit tell,
Ere I must teach these lips to speak
That painful, dreaded word — farewell!

Severed from both, ye little know
How desolate my heart will be;
Tears, burning tears, will freely flow —
The only solace left for me.

Must I alone this burden bear?
Oh, selfish heart, thy feelings quell!
Do I alone their friendship share? —
Will other lips not say farewell?

Yes, other eyes will weep like mine,
And other hearts with anguish swell;
I know 'tis weakness to repine —
God bless you both — Farewell — Farewell!