The bard of the dales :: :: University of Virginia Library

Farewell my dear parents, my brethren, and friends,
Whose souls are entwin'd with my own;
Adieu for the present, my spirit ascends,
Where friendship immortal is known.

Adieu thou sweet fountain that visits the door,
In thy channel so nicely convey'd,—
While those trees which in summer have formed a bower,
Thy coolness completed the shade.

Those wonderful orbs that astonish'd mine eyes,
Their glories recede from my sight;
I soon shall contemplate more beautiful skies,
And stars more transcendently bright.

Adieu ye sweet shades, of peace and delight!
Your final farewell I may sing;
Where the thrush and the blackbird have sung in my sight,
And welcom'd each morning in spring.

Adieu to thee, Fryup! and all thy sweet charms,
My footsteps no longer ye greet;—

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Jesus to receive me opens His arms,
And Paradise welcomes my feet.

The vale of affliction with trembling I pass,
And the “Valley and Shadow of Death!”
But the light of the gospel o'ershadows my path,
And shews me the danger beneath.

The Shepherd of Israel my guardian is!
Through dangers and darkness obscure;
His rod and His staff does the enemy chase,
While I drink of the river so pure.

Adieu to all pleasure, for pleasures divine,
I rejoice in the happy exchange;
The pleasures of Heaven through Jesus is mine,
While o'er the bright summit I range.