I must hasten home, said the ball-room belle,

As day began to dawn;

And the glittering jewels her dark hair decked,

Shone bright as the dews of morn;

I’ll forsake the joys of this changing world,

Which leave in the heart but a thorn.

I must hasten home, said a dying youth,

Who had vainly sought for fame—

Who had vowed to win a laurel wreath,

And immortalize his name;