A Farewell.

by Charles Kingsley (1819-75)

My fairest child, I have no song to give you;
    No lark could pipe to skies so dull and gray;
Yet, ere we part, one lesson I can leave you
                  For every day.

Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be clever;
    Do noble things, not dream them all day long:
And so make life, death, and that vast forever
                  One grand, sweet song.

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