On the banks of that sweet river
Where the water-lilies grow,
Breathed the fairest flower that ever
Bloomed and faded years ago.

How we met and loved and parted,
None on earth can ever know,
Nor how pure and gentle-hearted
Beamed the mourned one years ago.

Like the stream with lilies laden,
Will life's future current flow,
Till in heaven I meet the maiden
Fondly cherished years ago.

Hearts that truly love forget not—
They're the same in weal or wo—
And that star of memory set not
In the grave of years ago.