The Friends My Heart Holds Near [pp. 380]

2BY MRS. Xr. P LA&88LLE.
WeHEN evening shades around me fall,
My thoughts then turn to thee With pleasure I recall the tones
'~ —"~~ -~ ~ Of witching melody,
That from thy lips so sweetly fell
Upon my listening ear,
Ere I was parted from the friends
My heart doth hold so dear.
My lot is now with strangers cast;
No dear, familiar voice
Doth greet me in the twilight hour,
To make my heart rejoice;
But mem'ry is most busy then,
And fancy fills the air
With voices of those absent friends
My heart doth hold so dear.
i,~ ~ ~ I strive to rouse myself and sing
4.3| ~~~ ~ Some light and cheerful lay;
But sadness mingles in the strain My thoughts are far away;
)v P~ j ~And ere I can recall them hence,
Down drops the starting tear,
Because I do not meet the glance
Of friends my heart holds dear.
?.?c,/~~/~.~~~~ Down drops the starting tear,
~-df.)2>