Farewell

1 The time is swiftly rolling on
When I must faint and die;
My body to the dust return,
And there forgotten lie.
My little children, near my heart,
And nature seems to bind;
It grieves me sorely to depart
And leave you all behind.
My little children, near my heart,
And nature seems to bind;
It grieves me sorely to depart
And leave you all behind.

2 Let persecution rage around,
And antichrist appear,
My silent dust beneath the ground,
There’s no disturbance there.
Though I can never come to thee;
Let not this grieve your heart;
For you will shortly come to me,
Where we shall never part.
Though I can never come to thee;
Let not this grieve your heart;
For you will shortly come to me,
Where we shall never part.

Source: The Sacred Harp: the best collection of sacred songs, hymns, odes, and anthems ever offered the singing public for general use (1991 rev.) #570