Classic Poem

O ANGEL-MINDED we have lov'd;
And holier ties our souls have prov'd,
Than earthly bond could frame;
And each within its deep recess
Has breathed a purer tenderness,
A more celestial flame.

We lov'd indeed, but not such love
As common hearts are wont to prove,
In the gay hopes of youth;
It was in sorrow and in trial,
We taught each other self-denial,
And pledg'd our mutual truth.

Each bore the cross, and every day
Together learnt to watch and pray,
In the high trust of heaven;
And from this pure and lofty faith,
We smil'd at danger and at death,
In the hopes which it had given.

We knew each other's mind and heart,
Each form'd to act a nobler part,
In a more blest abode;
And so we lov'd, because both bent
Upon one hallow'd high intent,
Bound in the fear of God.

What tho' we part, it is not here
That even these vows, so pure and dear,
Can have their perfect rest;
But tried and sanctified by time,
Shall blossom in a fairer clime,
Where virtue shall be blest.

Then sigh not in this long farewell;
Or if thy bosom heave one swell,
Thy cheek one struggle own,
Remember, we shall meet again,
Releas'd from every care and pain,
Before th' Eternal throne.

O ANGEL-MINDED we have lov'd;
And holier ties our souls have prov'd,
Than earthly bond could frame;
And each within its deep recess
Has breathed a purer tenderness,
A more celestial flame.

We lov'd indeed, but not such love
As common hearts are wont to prove,
In the gay hopes of youth;
It was in sorrow and in trial,
We taught each other self-denial,
And pledg'd our mutual truth.

Each bore the cross, and every day
Together learnt to watch and pray,
In the high trust of heaven;
And from this pure and lofty faith,
We smil'd at danger and at death,
In the hopes which it had given.

We knew each other's mind and heart,
Each form'd to act a nobler part,
In a more blest abode;
And so we lov'd, because both bent
Upon one hallow'd high intent,
Bound in the fear of God.

What tho' we part, it is not here
That even these vows, so pure and dear,
Can have their perfect rest;
But tried and sanctified by time,
Shall blossom in a fairer clime,
Where virtue shall be blest.

Then sigh not in this long farewell;
Or if thy bosom heave one swell,
Thy cheek one struggle own,
Remember, we shall meet again,
Releas'd from every care and pain,
Before th' Eternal throne.