Classic Poem

OS C .

The ship floats bravely on the sea,
The perfumed breezes play,
And many a fervent prayer is breathed
TOspeed her on her way.

She bears the merchant's golden wealth
To Asia's burning shore;
She bears a dearer burden far,
That comes to us no more.

She bears the friends we long have loved,
The friends we long have known;
" Farewell, " — perhaps no more to meet,
Till life's bright hours have flown.

Yet, ye will find, beyond the waves,
Some noble Christian bands, —
Heroes, with pure and loving hearts,
And wise and faithful hands.

We meet again, — no farewell tear,
In heaven, is ever shed;
We meet again, — no farewell prayer,
In heaven, is ever said.

We meet where all is joy and peace,
Where throbs no thrill of pain;
We meet in heaven, where all is bliss,
And never part again.