Friend and companion, dear to each heart

Friend and companion, dear to each heart;Tears naught avail us, now we must part.Death's hand has plucked thee, pillowed thy head,Lowly and lifeless, faded and dead.

Now bending o'er thee, sadly we weep;While o'er our gladness lone shadows creep.Dark, chilling shadows, bringing a gloom,Telling of dear ones gone to the tomb.

Guarding thy slumbers, cypress shall wave,Mournful and silent, over thy grave.Angels their vigils watchful shall keep,Waiting thy blissful waking from sleep.

Ah, we must leave thee, silent in death;Fond hopes have vanished—flown with thy breath.Joy turns to sadness, life seems but pain;O, shall we ever meet thee again?

Yes, we shall meet thee on heaven's shore,Where death and partings come nevermore:There, will our Saviour dry every tear;Sorrowful mourner, be of good cheer.