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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DEPARTURE by MAY LOUISE RILEY SMITH

First Line: ADIEU, KIND LIFE, THOUGH THOU HAST OFTEN BEEN
Last Line: I EVER LIKED THY WINE, THOUGH SALT WITH TEARS.

ADIEU, kind Life, though thou hast often been
Lavish of quip, and scant of courtesy,
Beneath thy roughness I have found in thee
A host who doth my parting favor win.
Friend, teacher, sage, and sometimes harlequin,
Thine every mood hath held some good for me, --
Nor ever friendlier seemed thy company
Than on this night when I must quit thine inn.
I love thee, Life, in spite of thy rude ways!
Dear is thy pleasant house, so long my home.
I thank thee for the hospitable days,
The friends, the rugged cheer. Then, landlord, come!
Pour me a stirrup cup, -- our parting nears;
I ever liked thy wine, though salt with tears.



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