I GO, SWEET FRIENDS!

I go, sweet friends! yet think of me

When spring’s young voice awakes the flowers;

For we have wander’d far and free

In those bright hours, the violet’s hours.

I go; but when you pause to hear,

From distant hills, the Sabbath-bell

On summer-winds float silvery clear,

Think on me then—I loved it well!

Forget me not around your hearth,

When cheerly smiles the ruddy blaze;

For dear hath been its evening mirth

To me, sweet friends, in other days.

And oh! when music’s voice is heard

To melt in strains of parting woe,

When hearts to love and grief are stirr’d,

Think of me then!—I go, I go!