BEST

In the gruesome night and the wintry weather,

I watched two dear friends die,

And I buried them both in one grave together.

Oh! who is so sad as I?

For the old love, and the old year,

They both have passed away;

And I never can find the old cheer

Come what will or may.

I heard the bell in the tall church steeple

Clang out a joyful strain.

And I thought,‘ Of all the great world's people,

I have the bitterest pain.’

For the old year was a good year,

And the old love was sweet;

And how could my heart hold any cheer

When both lay dead at my feet.

Life may smile and the skies may brighten,

Winter will pass with its snows;

Grief will wane and the burden lighten —

And June will come with the rose.

But it cannot bring the old cheer

To fill my empty breast;

For the old year was the one year,

And the old love was best.