TO A FRIEND ON PARTING.

Julia, let fond remembrance cling
Around the parting hour;
Unfading let that garland be,
Late plucked from friendship's bower.
Lurid and dark our path would be,
Uncheered by friendship's rays;
Incense divine, thy hallowed flame
Lights up our darkest days.
Absence and time can ne'er destroy
Pure friendship's chrystal streams;
Near us the loved one lingers round,
And greets us in our dreams.
No brighter chain this earth can boast,
Than twines 'round kindred hearts;
Brilliant and fair the links remain,
Though fate rends them apart.
Alas! that we so soon must part.
Ere budding friendship's bloom;
Remain, sweet germ, within each heart,
And thrive beyond the tomb.
Receive, dear friend, these parting lines,
Though humble they appear;
Earth, with its joys, are fading fast,
With all that love us here.
Then may we be prepared to soar
Where ransomed spirits blend;
There may our souls in love unite,
Where friendship fears no end.