Classic Poem

Is it not sad dear friends should part
Ere each has to the other shewn
More than one little corner of a heart?
Were it not better to abide unknown?

Nay, but in this dull, darkling earth
If more than transient gleams were given
Of full confiding love, and the heart's mirth,
'Twould surely steal our spirits frail from heaven.

Then let us thankfully forego
What fancy loves to paint so bright,
Nor grieve our sweetest solace here to know,
Like our last hope, by faith and not by sight.