As the poor schoolboy, when the slow-paced months br Have brought vacation times, and one by one br His playmates and companions all are fled br Or ready; and to him—to him alone br No summons comes; he left of all the train br Paces with lingering step the vacant halls, br No longer murmuring with the Muse's song, br And silent play-ground scattered wide around br With implements of sports, resounding once br With cheerful shouts; and hears no sound of wheels br To bear him to his father's bosom home; br For, conscious though he be of time misspent, br And heedless faults and much amiss, yet hopes br A father's pardon and a father's smile br Blessing his glad return……Thus I br Look to the hour when I shall follow those br That are at rest before me.