We are monarchs and courtiers and heroes no more;
To a much humbler station again we’ve descended,
And are now but the school-boys you’ve known us before.
Farewell then our greatness—’tis gone like a dream,
’Tis gone—but remembrance will often retrace
The indulgent applause which rewarded each theme,
And the heart-cheering smiles that enlivened each face.
We thank you! Our gratitude words cannot tell,
But deeply we feel it—to you it belongs;
With heartfelt emotion we bid you farewell,