From every group Death takes a trophy dear,
From every cluster claims a precious flower;
And now so soon he plucks you from us here,
Bright friend of many a blithe and sunny hour. How short it seems since last we happily met,
With mingling mirth and friendship in each eye;
And while the thought with grief is struggling yet,
How hard to give you but a prayer and last good-by! O fresh and glad young life so early gone--
O radiant mind and heart that still shall dwell
In loving prayer and memory, living on--
We leave you with one tearful long farewell, farewell!