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!