Poems and miscellanies selected from the writings of Miss Eliza Townsend Printed but not published |
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“WHEN SHALL WE THREE MEET AGAIN?”
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 | Poems and miscellanies selected from the writings of Miss Eliza Townsend |  |
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“WHEN SHALL WE THREE MEET AGAIN?”
[1816.]
Long years have passed, but vernal May
Returns this anniversary day,
When yet 't was mine, in converse sweet,
A pair of precious friends to greet;
The question quick, the prompt reply,
The quicker language of the eye,
The flash that lightened either face,
The hand's close clasp, the long embrace—
These once were mine; ah, cease the strain,
For ne'er can these be mine again!
Returns this anniversary day,
When yet 't was mine, in converse sweet,
A pair of precious friends to greet;
The question quick, the prompt reply,
The quicker language of the eye,
The flash that lightened either face,
The hand's close clasp, the long embrace—
These once were mine; ah, cease the strain,
For ne'er can these be mine again!
The years return, but never more
Those friends partake my simple store;
Low in the earth their forms repose,
High to the heavens their spirits rose,
Whilst, by life's longer storm oppressed,
I gaze with envy on their rest,
And to the passing wind complain,
“When shall we three meet again.”
Those friends partake my simple store;
Low in the earth their forms repose,
High to the heavens their spirits rose,
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I gaze with envy on their rest,
And to the passing wind complain,
“When shall we three meet again.”
Appalling thought! ere that can be,
All things must cease that now I see;
Stars from their stations must retire,
Faint the pale moon, the sun expire,
Earth must depart, nor heaven remain,
Ere we three can meet again!
All things must cease that now I see;
Stars from their stations must retire,
Faint the pale moon, the sun expire,
Earth must depart, nor heaven remain,
Ere we three can meet again!
| Poems and miscellanies selected from the writings of Miss Eliza Townsend | |