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Early AdieuxADIEU to kindred hearts and home, To pleasure, joy, and mirth, A fitter foot than mine to roam Could scarcely tread the earth ; For they are now so few indeed (Not more than three in all), Who e'er will think of me or heed What fate may me befall.
For I through pleasure's paths have run My headlong goal to win, Nor pleasure's snares have cared to shun When pleasure sweetened sin. Let those who will their failings mask, To mine I frankly own ; But for them pardon will I ask Of none—save Heaven alone.
From carping friends I turn aside ; At foes defiance frown ; Yet time may tame my stubborn pride, And break my spirit down. Still, if to error I incline, Truth whispers comfort strong, That never reckless act of mine E'er worked a comrade wrong.
My mother is a stately dame, Who oft would chide with me ; She saith my riot bringeth shame, And stains my pedigree. I'd reck not what my friends might know, Or what the world might say, Did I but think some tears would flow When I am far away.
Perchance my mother will recall My mem'ry with a sigh ; My gentle sister's tears may fall, And dim her laughing eye ; Perhaps a loving thought may gleam, And fringe its saddened ray, When, like a nightmare's troubled dream, I, outcast, pass away.
Then once again farewell to those Who e'er for me have sighed ; For pleasures melt away like snows, And hopes like shadows glide. Adieu, my mother ! if no more Thy son's face thou may'st see, At least those many cares are o'er So ofttimes caused by me.
My lot is fixed ! The die is cast ! For me home hath no joy ! Oh, pardon then all follies past, And bless your wayward boy ! And thou, from whom for aye to part Grieves more than tongue can tell, May Heaven preserve thy guileless heart ! Sweet sister, fare thee well !
Thou, too, whose loving-kindness makes My resolution less, While from the bitter past it takes One half its bitterness, If e'er you held my mem'ry dear, Grant this request, I pray— Give to that mem'ry one bright tear, And let it pass away. |
