Years Ago.

By George Pope Morris

Near the banks of that lone river,

Where the water-lilies grow,

Breathed the fairest flower that ever

Bloomed and faded years ago.

Now we met and loved and parted,

None on earth can ever know —

Nor how pure and gentle-hearted

Beamed the mourned one years ago!

Like the stream with lilies laden,

Will life's future current flow,

Till in heaven I meet the maiden

Fondly cherished years ago.

Hearts that love like mine forget not;

They're the same in weal or wo;

And that star of memory set not

In the grave of years ago.