1 When for me the silent oar Parts the silent river, And I stand upon the shore Of the strange forever, Shall I miss the loved and known? Shall I vainly seek my own? Shall I miss the loved and known? Vainly seek my own?
2 Can the bonds that make us here Know ourselves immortal, Drop away like foliage sere At life's inner portal? What is holiest below Must forever live and grow; What is holiest below Must forever grow.
3 He who plants within our hearts All this deep affection, Giving, when the form departs, Fadeless recollection, Will but clasp the unbroken chain Closer when we meet again; Will but clasp the unbroken chain When we meet again.
4 Therefore dread I not to go O'er the silent river; Death, thy hastening oar I know; Bear me, thou life giver! Through the waters to the shore, When mine own have gone before; Through the waters in the shore, Where they're gone before. | The Morning Stars Sang Together: a book of religious songs for Sunday schools and the home circle #85 (1897) |