Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems by the late Thomas Haynes Bayly; Edited by his Widow. With A Memoir of the Author. In Two Volumes |
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WE MEET AGAIN, BUT NOT IN BLISS. |
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| II. |
 | Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems |  |
WE MEET AGAIN, BUT NOT IN BLISS.
I
We meet again, but not in bliss,As we have met in moments past;
One sad remembrance darkens this—
Too well we know it is the last:
You go to fight in foreign lands,
Far, far across the raging main;
Long years must pass before our hands
Can meet in friendship's grasp again.
II
But though we meet as altered men,In form and strength, less young and gay;
Though eyes may beam less brightly then,
And joy from some may pass away;
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Though there is much which time may chill,
We'll meet unchang'd in warmth of heart,
And keep our friendship blooming still.
III
We'll talk of all the merry days,The days so darkly closing thus;
We'll sing again our jovial lays,
Reviving thoughts most dear to us:
Our former jests shall gaily pass,
And bring back frolics—far remov'd;
Again we'll fill the social glass.
To all the Scottish maids we loved.
IV
Though some sad proofs the world affords,That kindness often masks deceit;
Though many part with warmest words,
Yet change to coldness when they meet;
In me such change you ne'er shall view;
Our parting was no studied form;
The voice that warmly spoke adieu,
Shall speak a welcome just as warm.
V
But should you all at length returnIn safety to your native shore,
And seek the friend you lov'd, and learn
His hand can welcome you no more:
Though pleasure's voice, and beauty's smile,
Around your happy homes may be;
E'en then perhaps you'll pause awhile,
And heave one secret sigh for me.
| Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems | |