The Parting
(On leaving a long-loved place.)
Another night, and then for evermore
A wanderer, drifting farther from where lay
My only joys?how far the distant way,
Is darkened dim by doubt and sorrow sore!
Here passed my dearest life-and it is o’er:
Here was a vale of peace, where every day
New pleasures brought, nor took the old away;
Still gave new friends, nor took from friendship’s store.
I found thee when my childhood’s home I left,
And grew to love thee fondly through the years
Of blissful quiet in the half?lost past
To-morrow go I forth of all bereft
But memories deep of thee, and for thee tears
To-night I still am thine-this night, the last!