SCRoots, SONG by George S. Bryan

SONG
by George S. Bryan

On, on, thy gladsome way-
   I may not stem the tide
Which strong as death and dark as fate
   Still bears thee from my side.

Thy heart is full of glee,
   Thy step is strung to pride;
Too joyous bright for me,
   Thou can'st not be my bride.

On, on, thy gladsome way
   With breath of vain desire,
I would not check thy spirit's play,
   Nor dim thy morning fire.

Still keep thee in the sky,
   Still mounting, soaring, sing-
Leave not thy home on high,
   Till love shall fold thy wing.

Yet will I trace with fond delight
   Thy sparkling gay career,
And hang upon thy upward flight
   With joy and trembling fear.

But could I fix that wayward heart,
   Win softness from that kindling eye;
And claim thee for my holier part,
   For thee I'd live, for thee I'd die.

George S. Bryan (1809-1895) was a resident of Charleston, South Carolina. He was a Unionist, lawyer, member of the Conversation Club, and a trustee of the College of Charleston. Bryan served as U.S. Circuit Court judge from 1866 to 1886. He earned a reputation for political writings published under the pseudonym Crawford. He was also one of South Carolina's leading anti-secessionist.

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