Classic Poem

WHEN SHALL WE MEET AGAIN ?

I.

When shall we meet again,—
 Meet ne'er to sever?
When will Peace wreathe her chain
 Round us for ever?
When will our hearts repose
Safe from each blast that blows
In this dark vale of woes?
 Never—no, never!

II.

Pride's unrelenting hand
 Soon will divide us,
Moments like these be banned,
 Trysting denied us.
Force may our steps compel,
Hearts will not say farewell.
Can Power affection quell?
 Never,—no, never!

III.

By the thrice hallowed past,
 Love's tenderest token;—
By bliss too sweet to last,
 Faith yet unbroken;—
By all we're doomed to bear;—
By this sad kiss and tear;—
I will forget thee, dear,
 Never,—no, never!

IV.

If thou 'rt as true to me,
 Firm and fond hearted,
Hate's dull desires will be
 Half of them thwarted.
When shall we meet again?—
When shall we meet again?—
In this wild world of pain
 Never,—no, never!

V.

But where no storms can chill,
 False friends deceive us;
Where with protracted thrill
 Hope cannot grieve us;
There, with the pure of heart,
Safe from Fate's venomed dart,
There we may meet to part
 Never,—no, never!