College Days

THESE college days of jollity and mirth

How pleasurable are they and how serene,

Just tinged with sorrow enough to welcome in

With heartier joy all wassail that gives birth

To bliss that lifts the spirit from the earth!

Shall not this book and the signatures herein

Of men whose friendship I am glad to win,

Years hence recall this time that knows no dearth

Of ready jests and sunshine of sweet lays

And vintages of Xeres and the Rhine?

Ah! the remembrance of these happy days,

The music and the laughter and the wit,

The cups that smile with glimmering of sweet wine,

Age shall grow mellow with thought of it.

by Richard Hovey