TO THE SISTER OF AN OLD SCHOOLFELLOW .

" Heaven lies about us in our infancy! "
If so, we should not with indifference meet
Aught that recalls a memory so sweet
As one of bright and early days gone by!
For, could we but abide continually
As we were wont in hours so fair and fleet,
Like little children, guiltless of deceit,
This o'er the world were glorious mastery!
My school-mate's sister! none of us can add
One year to life's brief span, or take from thence:
Yet ought we not, dear friend, to borrow hence
Desponding thoughts, and make our spirits sad;
But holier aspirations, to be clad
In robes more white than our first innocence!