Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By May RileySmith

827 Departure

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.