The future life we marched to meet,

The past, with memories rich and tender.

A sombre fragrance filled the air—

A mournful joy ne'er duplicated;

Both night and morning lingered there,

That changeful day we graduated!

And when "Good-bye" came, grimly sure,

And handed us our hands at parting,

We saw on what a lonely tour

Of out-door effort we were starting;