THE PARTING SONG

THE noon of summer sheds its ray

On Harvard's holy ground;

The Matron calls, the sons obey,

And gather smiling round.

Her hundred opening doors have swung

Through every storied hall

The pealing echoes loud have rung,

“Thrice welcome one and all!”

Then old and young, etc.

We floated through her peaceful bay,

To sail life's stormy seas

But left our anchor where it lay

Beneath her green old trees.

Then old and young, etc.

As now we lift its lengthening chain,

That held us fast of old,

The rusted rings grow bright again,—

Their iron turns to gold.

Then old and young, etc.

Though scattered ere the setting sun,

As leaves when wild winds blow,

Our home is here, our hearts are one,

Till Charles forgets to flow.

Then old and young, etc.