Old Friends

We just shake hands at meeting
With many that come nigh;
We nod the head in greeting
To many that go by, —
But welcome through the gateway
Our few old friends and true;
Then hearts leap up, and straightway
There's open house for you,
Old Friends,
There's open house for you!

The surface will be sparkling,
Let but a sunburst shine;
Yet in the depth lies darkling,
The true life of the wine!
The froth is for the many,
The wine is for the few;
Unseen, untouched of any,
We keep the best for you,
Old Friends,
The very best for you!

The Many cannot know us;

They only pace the strand,
Where at our worst we show us —
The waters thick with sand!

But out beyond the leaping
Dim surge 'tis clear and blue;

And there, Old Friends, we are keeping
A waiting calm for you,
Old Friends,
A resting-place for you.