OLD CHUMS

“If I die first,” my old chum paused to say,

“Mind! not a whimper of regret:— instead,

Laugh and be glad, as I shall.— Being dead,

I shall not lodge so very far away

But that our mirth shall mingle.— So, the day

The word comes, joy with me.” “I'll try,” I said,

Though, even speaking, sighed and shook my head

And turned, with misted eyes. His roundelay

Rang gaily on the stair; and then the door

Opened and — closed.... Yet something of the clear,

Hale hope, and force of wholesome faith he had

Abided with me — strengthened more and more.—

Then — then they brought his broken body here:

And I laughed — whisperingly — and we were glad.