Classic Poem

Lo! the stream that once before
I in youth was ferried o'er;
Here — the fort in evening's glow,
There — the mill-dam roars below.

In this fragile vessel tossed,
With me two companions crossed,
One a father's aspect had,
Young the other, hopeful, glad.

One his life in quiet spent,
Quietly from hence he went;
Whilst in storm and battle - strife
Ceased the other's restless life.

Thus whene'er on bye-gone days,
Happier far, I fix my gaze,
Oft I miss my comrades dear
Torn from me by fate severe.

Friendship most the man controls
When the soul meets kindred souls;
Spiritual those hours I found,
Hence am I to spirits bound.

Boatman, come, thy fare receive,
Thrice thy fare I gladly give,
For, unknown, unseen by thee,
Spirits twain have crossed with me.