THE FAREWELL

Go, gentle muse, 'tis near the gloomy day,

Long dreaded; go, and say farewell for me;

A sad farewell to her who deigned thee, say,

For far she hastens hence. Ah, hard decree!

Tell her I feel that at the parting hour,

More than the waves will heave in tumult wild:

More than the skies will threat a gushing shower,

More than the breeze will breathe a murmur mild.

Say that her influence flies not with her form,