TO THE ASHLEY RIVER.

Ashley river! Ashley river! Do I tread thy banks again? Then ’twas not farewell forever, Told I thee with throbbing pain, When I sought thee last, sweet river, With my lovely sister, Jane! Was there not a gentle warning Murmur’d in thy gurgling tone? Clouds were gath’ring o’er life’s morning, Which in radiant beauty shone; Ah! I felt the whisper’d warning, I should tread thy banks alone. Yes—alone! my gentle sister Here no more shall rove with me; How I trembled when I kiss’d her, Standing near our fav’rite tree! Still I dream’d not, angel sister! ’Twas my last sweet walk with thee. Evergreens were spreading o’er us, With their cool embow’ring shade; Hoary mosses waved before us, And a graceful drapery made: While the gliding waters bore us Many a tuneful serenade. Pearly tears, in silence starting, Told the heart’s deep seated gloom, While we brooded o’er the parting From our early, only home; Ah! we knew not one was starting For a distant lonely tomb! Now, no mosses wave above her, Where she sleeps so far away; But the eyes of those who love her Guard the precious sleeping clay; Angels keep bright watch above her, Till the resurrection day. O, sweet Ashley! gently gliding, Calmly can I gaze on thee, For my loved one is abiding Where I quickly hope to be; So, each deep emotion chiding, Still I love to gaze on thee!