When forc'd to part from those we love,
Though sure to meet to-morrow;
We yet a kind of anguish prove,
And feel a touch of sorrow.
But oh! what words can paint the fears
When from those friends we sever,
Perhaps to part for months--for years--
Perhaps to part for ever.
1492
Control your passion or it will control you.
--_Horace._
1493
Nothing overcomes passion sooner than silence.
--_French._
1494
Remember, three things come not back;
The arrow sent upon its track--
It will not swerve, it will not stay
Its speed; it flies to wound or slay;
The spoken word, so soon forgot
By thee, but it has perished not;
In other hearts 'tis living still,
And doing work for good or ill;
And the lost opportunity
That cometh back no more to thee.
In vain thou weep'st, in vain dost yearn,
These three will never more return.
1495
Let by-gones be by-gones; let the past be forgotten.
--_Dr. Webster._
1496