It was a sheaf of hopes and fears;
A fate that came, close covered, to us;
It was the last day of four years
That were to build up or undo us;
The hour we wished and dreaded most,
From which we shrunk, for which we waited;
That inward fear and outward boast—
That fine old day we graduated!
A thousand heads and hearts were there,
With more or less discernment gifted;