Classic Poem

Pass, pass the song—let all be glad;
Let fame a flowery garland wreathe us;
Why should a single soul be sad,
When friends of former years are with us?
For those are friends who still endure,
Through all the changes life can send us!
And who would wish a joy more pure,
Than when such friends their presence lend us?

Then fill me up a flowing glass,
To pledge those friends of memory near us;
Though years with arrow-swiftness pass,
Their happy faces still can cheer us!
For those are friends who still endure,
Through all the ills that life can send us;
And who would wish a joy more pure,
Than when they do their presence lend us?

Then here's to those who were so dear,
While youth and mirth flashed gaily round us;
We meet, and still we are sincere,
Though care and sorrow long have found us.
For those are friends who still endure.
Through all the changes life may send us;
And who could wish a joy more pure,
Than when they do their presence lend us?