Classic Poem

Nay , not good-bye! a kindlier word
Our Teuton cousinship has stirred,
To give a hope for parting days
To him who goes, to him who stays, —
The hope that we may meet again:
Auf wiedersehen! Auf wiedersehen!

And so we speed thee, parting friend,
And forth to fame and fortune send;
And though we pray that you may find
As faithful friends as those behind,
Yet still in joy or still in pain:
Auf wiedersehen! Auf wiedersehen!

And should the great world prove unkind,
And fame and fortune hard to find;
Should sorrow come, or friends forsake,
And discipline be hard to take,
Retrace your steps, the way is plain:
Auf wiedersehen! Auf wiedersehen!