THOUGH thou art dying, yet I may not weep

Such grief I leave to those who part for years;

We only part for days; it may be—hours;

We have no need of tears.

Ere thy last kiss is cold upon my lips,

Thy dying clasp is loosened from my hand;

I will be with thee—thou but goest before

Into the better land.

When thou hast reached Heav'n's golden portal, pause

And cast one look adown Death's shadowy road;

I will be near, nor tremble as I walk

The road thou first hast trod.

Would that together we might pass away!

Would that one sound might ring our passing knell!

Yet soon we'll meet where partings are unknown;

For the last time—farewell.