Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912.
Fitz-Greene Halleck 17901867
Fitz-Greene Halleck11 On the Death of Joseph Rodman Drake
G
Friend of my better days!
None knew thee but to love thee,
Nor named thee but to praise.
From eyes unused to weep, And long where thou art lying, Will tears the cold turf steep. Like thine, are laid in earth, There should a wreath be woven To tell the world their worth; To clasp thy hand in mine, Who shared thy joy and sorrow, Whose weal and woe were thine: Around thy faded brow, But I ’ve in vain essayed it, And feel I can not now. Nor thoughts nor words are free, The grief is fixed too deeply That mourns a man like thee.