Hands that Wander

Hands that wander o'er the keys,
Lithe hands over ivory keys,
I remember hands like these
Flying over ivory keys
In the far-away dim years,
I remember them with tears ;
They were wont to rest in mine
In the early morning-shine,
And I wonder where they are ;
Very, very far !
If I ever came too near,
I have prayed, God save you, dear ;
Heaven gave your griefs and blisses.
Holds in whatsoe'er abysses.
You, who were my dearest friend,
I loved, I love you to the end !
What have we to equal love
Here in earth, or heaven above ?

Maiden of the clear brown eyes.
Where no sin nor sorrow lies,
I love thee for thy melodies,
And for thine innocent deep eyes.
In the faraway dim years,
May they rarely cloud with tears !
True and clear as now they are
Keep them. Heaven, when I am far !
I shall never come too near,
Only pray, God save thee, dear !
Guide in all thy griefs and blisses.
Hold thee in the deep abysses !
Ye who claim the name of friend,
Love one another to the end !
Have we aught to equal Love,
Or in earth, or heaven above ?