Stars will shine on, tho thou art gone,
But we shall miss the gleaming
Of one bright eye's responsive smile,
And love-light softly beaming.
And flowers will bloom,— but we shall miss
A fragrance and a beauty
That brightened for us here and there
The sombre path of duty.
And friends will greet us on our way,
But we shall miss the sweetness
Of a fair presence that hath made
So much of life's completeness.
And yet‘ tis well; we give thee joy,
And pray with this caressing;
That love and peace without alloy
May be thy bridal blessing.