Lines, Written on the Departure of a Brother

Dear brother, is it even so?
And are we doomed to part?—
We who have been through weal and woe
United, hand and heart.

Ah, would that I could share thy fate,
Upon Life’s stormy sea;
I’d deem no sacrifice too great,
That I might make for thee.

But no, it may not—cannot be,—
The world before thee lies;
And fairer lands are spread for thee,
Beneath more genial skies.

There’s many a spot, of which we’re told,
In legend and romance,
Where plumed knights were wont of old
To meet with sword and lance.

And there’s a charm that lingers round
Each ruined tower and shrine;—
Full well I know its magic power,
On such a heart as thine.

Then go; I would not seek to chain
Thy spirit bold and free;
Although I feel when thou art gone,
How lonely I shall be.

I know thee noble; have I not
From childhood’s earliest hour
Witnessed thy spirit’s mastery
O’er dark temptation’s power.

Go, and ambition’s heights explore,—
Seek Honor, Wealth and Fame;
But prize than gold or jewels more
A pure, untarnished name.

But when far o’er the deep blue sea,
In other lands you roam,
Forget not those who prayed with thee,
In thy sunny childhood’s home,

Forget not, when you mingle with
The beautiful and gay,
And yield your heart to pleasure’s charms,
A sister far away.

Though rosy lips may on you smile,
And bright eyes turn to thine,
Dear brother, thou wilt never find
One truer heart than mine.