The Graduate's Farewell

Farewell! my classmates – here’s my hand,
Tears are around my heart,
Thick crowding thoughts are thronging up,
In this sad hour we part.

Patient we’ve trod the classic hall.
Together day by day;
Where science on the dark’nd mind,
Pours her celestial ray.

Together at the shrine of truth,
We’ve bent with toil and pain;
Together spent the wealth of youth
In leaming’s sacred fane.

And oft has midnight’s weary hour,
Bedim’d the radiant eye;
As we the musty page explored;
Nay, do not heave a sigh.

For when the daily task was o’er,
In circles we have met;
To spend in mirth the rosy hours –
Those hours shall we forget?

Nay brother – do not turn away,
There’s sadness on thy brow;
Now gird thee up the manly heart,
‘Tis life’s commencement now.

Hark I a silvery voice – say, dost thou hear?
It is the trump of fame;
Its notes come ringing sweet and clear,
And sings a deathless name.

Then nerve thy arm and bare thy brow,
To meet the world’s dark strife.
And proudly breast the gales that blow,
Amid the storms of life.

Thy noble energy of soul,
Shall not be spent in vain;
The world shall feel the strong control
Which minds like thine maintain.

In truth ye are. a gallant band,
My heart exults with pride;
As proudly beautiful ye stand
Together by my side.