Classic Poem

This to the friend I love, who up life's trail
Rode side by side with me through gallant days
And who yet journeys near, that I may hail
Him as he passes through the old byways.

This to the friend who loves me, who would fain
Halt me from mounting for my lonely ride,
Who would give vast possessions to detain
Me on the range this side the Great Divide.
...............................

But I shall pledge you in this stirrup cup
Before I ride into the far sunset—
I shall not fail you at the Great Round Up.
O! friend of mine, who never failed me yet.