Next to the university, the student,
When once the school examinations o'er,
Will go, and with the change be well content.
From obscure toil and hours of study free
Into this world we go; only again
Quiet and insignificant to be.
No difference exists 'twixt old and young; nor
Any trace of cheerful intercourse,
No longer rings the cry "Excelsior!"
And say, are all these changing forms in quest
Of this? This lavish outlay too! Oh fools!
Who in this world think "all is for the best."
To me, from whom its joys have passed away,
It seemeth like a dream of the great Pan,
Sprung from his burning brain on some dog day.
Dixi! Although thy brains thou'st often racked.
The matter is not yet so plain and smooth.
The aid of ripe experience thou hast lacked.
Not yet? A little longer turn the pages dreary,
Conning the self same lesson? Said I not
Of sitting on the school bench I was weary?
Loathsome the animal, whose monstrous jaws
The food long since digested idly grinds,
And grinds again, nor ever makes a pause.
No matter, still thou must remain to aid
Thy weaker schoolmates on the lower forms,
Till themes are all prepared and lessons said.
Why sullen looks and frowning brow display?
The hours of leisure may be occupied
In scribbling rhymes, while schoolboy pranks you play
And on the school room bench your name enscribe.