A greeting to thee, O most trusty friend!
That hast so steadfastly companioned me.
What other, say, in this can equal thee,
Who cam'st to life with me, with me shalt end?
Poor face of mine! Right often dost thou lend
A smile to hide some smileless thoughts that be
Bound deep in heart, and oft thy kind eyes see
My soul's great grief and bid their ears attend.

Ah, childish fairness, seeming near, yet far,
Prized tenderly by dear ones pass'd away,
Fain I'd recall it! Next, an oval grace
Of girlhood; for thy woman's sorrows are
Stamped now on lips and forehead day by day,
Yet God's own image thou—O human face!