Friend's Eulogy

This is a poem by William Penn that talks about how friendship can survive death.

This is the Comfort of Friends, that though they may be said to Die, yet their Friendship and Society are, in the best Sense, ever present, because Immortal.

This poem is called "The Union of Friends." It was written by William Penn, the founder and "absolute owner" of the colony of Pennsylvania. The man depicted on the Quaker Oats packages is reputed to be modeled after William Penn.

I like this poem because it sums up the very powerful bonds between friends, bonds so strong that even death cannot separate them. It is a short poem, suitable for a eulogy at a funeral of a good friend or to quote in a condolence card. It should take about 1 1/2 minutes to read outloud. You can listen to a reading of this poem here.

This is the text of "The Union of Friends."

Union of Friends

They that love beyond the World, cannot be separated by it.
Death cannot kill, what never dies.
Nor can Spirits ever be divided that love and live in the same Divine Principle; the Root and Record of their Friendship.
If Absence be not death, neither is theirs.
Death is but Crossing the World, as Friends do the Seas; They live in one another still.
For they must needs be present, that love and live in that which is Omnipresent.
In this Divine Glass, they see Face to Face; and their Converse is Free, as well as Pure.
This is the Comfort of Friends, that though they may be said to Die, yet their Friendship and Society are, in the best Sense, ever present, because Immortal.

I hope that this poem will help you find the right words to express your feelings at the death of a friend.

A Eulogy for the Death of a Friend.

Abide With Me

Death Be Not Proud

Crossing the Bar

Death is Nothing At All

Eulogy for a Child

Remember Me

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