University of Virginia Library


268

THE END OF THE BANQUET.

Farewell, my friends!—I hear the call
I cannot but obey;—
Farewell! for I must leave you all,
Had I the wish to stay.
And yet—forgive me—I rejoice,
For I am old and tired;—
Worn by the talk, the lights, the noise,
And all I once desired.
After a time life's very best
Begins to stale and pall:
I go to silence and to rest,
And so—Farewell to all!