Classic Poem

Those parting words! they fell upon our ears
Like the far sounding of a solemn knell,
And linger now as lingers in the vale
The sweet-toned echoes of the vesper-bell.

Those parting words! they faded on our ears
As fade the sunset hues of parting day,
Yet linger in our hearts as still remains
The holy presence of the twilight ray.

Those parting words! we clasp them to our hearts,
As clasps a mother her beloved child:
Our memories to each precious sentence cling,
As child to parent when the storm is wild.

Those parting words remind of yon bright heaven,
As speaks the sea-shell of the distant main,
Where all who clasped our hand with parting words
Shall be restored in bliss to us again.

Those parting words shall in our memories sound,
As sounds for miles Niagara's mighty roar,
And blend their cadence with the welcomes sweet
Which yet shall greet us from the heavenly shore.

Then sound the pæan song of holy triumph;
For parting words shall yet in welcomes end,
As morning moonlight and the gleam of stars
Oft with auroral brightness calmly blend.