Classic Poem

Farewell Mother! tears are streaming
Down thy tender pallid cheek,
I, in gems and roses gleaming,
One eternal sunshine dreaming,
Scarce this sad farewell may speak.
Farewell Mother! now I leave thee,
And thy love unspeakable,
One to cherish — who may grieve me,
One to trust — who may deceive me,
Farewell Mother — fare thee well!

Farewell Father! thou art smiling,
Yet there's sadness on thy brow,
A mingled joy and languor wiling
All my heart from thee beguiling
Tenderness to which I go, —
Farewell Father thou didst bless me
Ere my lips thy name could tell,
He may wound — who should caress me
Who should solace — may distress me,
Father, guardian, — fare thee well!

Farewell Sister — thou are twining
Round me an affection deep,
Gazing on my garb so shining
Wishing joy, but ne'er divining
Why a blessed bride should weep:
Farewell Sister — have we ever
Suffered wrath our breasts to swell,
Ere gave looks or words that sever?
Those who should be parted never,
Sister dearest — fare thee well.

Farewell Brother; thou art brushing
Gently off those tears of mine,
And the grief that fresh was gushing
Thy most holy kisses hushing,
Can I e'er meet love like thine?
Farewell, brave and gentle Brother
Those more dear than words can tell
Love me yet — although another
Claims Ianthe! Father, Mother,
All beloved ones, — Fare ye well!