Go, and the Lord be with thee.
1 Samuel 17:37
Words: Alaric A. Watts, Poetical Sketches (London: Hurst, Robinson, 1823), pages 123–25, alt. The poem’s original words dealt with the parting of two lovers. Later hymnals adapted it to a religious theme.
Music: St. Dunstan’s Charles W. Douglas, 1917 (🔊 pdf nwc).
When shall we meet again?
Meet ne’er to sever?
When will peace wreathe her chain
Round us for ever?
When will our hearts repose
Safe from each blast that blows
In this dark vale of woes?
Never—no, never!
When shall love freely flow
Pure as life’s river?
When shall sweet friendship glow,
Changeless forever?
Where joys celestial thrill,
Where bliss each heart shall fill,
And fears of parting chill,
Never—no, never!
Up to that world of light,
Take us, dear Savior;
May we all there unite,
Happy for ever;
Where kindred spirits dwell,
There may our music swell,
And time our joys dispel,
Never—no, never!
Soon shall we meet again,
Meet ne’er to sever;
Soon will peace wreathe her chain
Round us forever;
Our hearts will then repose
Secure from worldly woes;
Our songs of praise shall close
Never—no, never!