TO A DEPARTING MISSIONARY.
O. S. C.
The ship floats bravely on the sea,
The perfumed breezes play,
And many a fervent prayer is breathed
To speed her on her way.
She bears the merchant's golden wealth
To Asia's burning shore;
She bears a dearer burden far,
That comes to us no more.
She bears the friends we long have loved,
The friends we long have known;
“Farewell,”—perhaps no more to meet,
Till life's bright hours have flown.
Yet, ye will find, beyond the waves,
Some noble Christian bands,—
Heroes, with pure and loving hearts,
And wise and faithful hands.
We meet again,—no farewell tear,
In heaven, is ever shed;
We meet again,—no farewell prayer,
In heaven, is ever said.
We meet where all is joy and peace,
Where throbs no thrill of pain;
We meet in heaven, where all is bliss,
And never part again.
