Classic Poem

Bid me Good-By! No sweeter salutation
Can friendship claim;
Nor yet can any language, any nation
A sweeter frame.

It is not final; it forebodes no sorrow
As some declare
Who born to fretting are so prone to borrow
To-morrow's share.

" Good-by " is but a prayer, a benediction
From lips sincere;
And breathed by thine it brings a sweet conviction
That God will hear.

" Good-by! " Yes, " God be with you; " prayer and blessing
In simplest phrase;
Alike our need and His dear care confessing
In all our ways.

However rare or frequent be our meeting,
However nigh
The last long parting or the endless greeting,
Bid me Good-By!