Classic Poem

We seven kind souls, by friendly chance,
Together hold our way:
All with one impulse we advance,
Or with one will we stay.

Far — far away each well-loved home,
Our absence may regret;
But since awhile we needs must roam,
We joy that we are met.

These gliding days have seen us climb
The mountain's lofty side,
And from the top, all grey with time,
Gain prospects rich and wide.

The valley sweet, the wandering stream,
Green woods and arching skies,
Have seemed like some bright, lovely dream
To our enraptured eyes.

The winding ride o'er plain and hill,
With everchanging scene,
The headlong brook, the gentle rill,
Calm lakes green slopes between:

The basin in the solid rock,
Where crystal waters lie;
The dell 'neath cliffs by some rude shock
Left frowning dark and high:

Where, when o'er all the moon-beams sleep,
And silence reigns profound,
Fairies may bathe, and vigils keep,
And lightly trip it round:

Oft coming the rough way to smooth,
The cup of balmy Tea ;
And oft our weariness to soothe,
The merry laugh and glee:

The morning when, each day, begin
Fresh joys and fresh desire;
The social evening at the Inn,
Where climbs some village spire:

The peaceful hour of prayer, the day
Of holy Sabbath rest,
When bidding earth's best joys away,
We worshipped and were blest:

All these our memories shall keep,
While years shall wing their flight,
As gems in fountains clear and deep,
Lie sparkling pure and bright.

All lovely forms, and shapes sublime,
Shall float before us long;
Shall tempt aspiring thought to climb,
Or wake the breathing song.

When scattered far, and toil and care
Shall cloud the troubled brow;
Fresh smiles, the thought shall kindle there
Of pleasures tasted now.

When wanderings cease with us — The S EVEN ,
Life's weary way all trod —
May friendship's chain grow bright in heaven
Around the throne of God!