University of Virginia Library

CANTICUM MIGRATIONIS

I

II

Old Home of many a year,
For old sake's sake most dear,
Fate, whom no Mortal may
Beyond the appointed day
Thwart, hath ordained that we
At length go forth from Thee!
What Fate decrees must be!
Yet can we ne'er forget
Thee, Home, wherein we've met
This many a day in brave
Companionship. Still linger
Our hearts around thy walls,
Whose every nook recalls
Thoughts of what there hath been
Of grave or jocund scene,
That Time's relentless finger
Never shall quite efface.
Thou art a reverend Place
Evermore to each and all,
Who've won within thy Hall
Knowledge, and Hope, and Nerve,
And Friendship's Help, to serve
With yet more faithful Heart
Our Mistress—Art!

III

Farewell! By Fate's ordaining
The Parting Hour has come!
Yet, Brothers, uncomplaining
We pass to our New Home.
Some wistful tears it may be
Gather and dim the eye;
Yet it's Spring-Tide's here a-smiling,
As we bid the Last Goodbye!
Ah! it's Spring, and the Hope Spring bears us,
That speed us on our way,
As the Old drifts into the New Life
This burgeoning April Day!
So, it's Hey Nonny O, Nonny, Nonny,
As the rhymes of the old times go!
Fresh Life's i' the air
That awaits us there
Our Youth to renew!
Cry a Health to You!
With a Hey Nonny O!
Nonny, Nonny!