MEETING WITH AN OLD FRIEND

In life, friends seldom are brought near; Like stars, each one shines in its sphere. To-night, —oh! what a happy night! We sit beneath the same lamplight. Our youth and strength last but a day. You and I —ah! our hairs are grey. Friends! Half are in a better land, With tears we grasp each other's hand. Twenty more years, —short, after all, I once again ascend your hall. When we meet, you had not a wife; Now you have children, —such is life! Beaming, they greet their father's chum; They ask me from where I have come. Before? our say, we each have said, The table is already laid. Fresh salads from the garden near, Rice mixed with millet, —frugal cheer. When shall we meet? it's hard to know. And so let the wine freely flow. This wine, I know, will do no harm. My old friend's welcome is so warm. To-morrom I go, —to be whirled. Again into the wide, wide world.