Classic Poem

" At that eternal parting of the ways, "
Thou say'st, good Friend! looking to see it come
When hands which cling unclasp, arms disembrace,
And lips, that murmured love to lips, are dumb.
Ay! it will come, — the bitter hour! — but bringing
A better love beyond, more subtle-sweet;
A higher road to tread, with happier singing,
And no cross-ways to part familiar feet!
Smil'st thou, my later Lucian! knowing too well
Hope's under-ache, Faith's fallacies all sped?
Yet THAT which gave thee thy fair gift, to tell
How in Elysium chat th' unsilenced Dead,
Shall some day whisper: " Lo! the Life Immortal!
Enter! for thee stands wide the golden portal! "