Two years ago--Oh happy day!
   We gathered in this classic hall
To learn what wisdom had to say,
   On problems great and "questions" small.

Like flower islets of the sea,
   That rise, the sailor's heart to cheer,
Sweet mem'ries float up from the lea
   Of two brief years, now gone, but dear.

As brothers in a common cause,
   we blent our labors and our tears;
Bound by no oath and stringetn laws,
   But tied by common hopes and fears.

As workmen in the metals rare
   Forge link by link the chain of gold;
By look and smile, and word and prayer,
   We've formed a bond that grows not old.

'T would pleasant be to linger here
   And fill our minds with learning's light,
But that the Master whispers near,
   "Go out and work, the fields are white."

The fairest blossoms of the earth
   Oft times conceal a bitter sting;
And he, who watches pleasure's birth,
   Soon learns it an illusive thing.

The dearest friends, and lovers fond,
   Some day, sometime, asunder part;
And broken is the tender bond
   That linked together heart to heart.

To north or east, or south or west,
   Each face must turn, his mission fill;
With faith in God, lets do our best
   To work the blessed Master's will.

In other halls our voices heard,
   Into the earnest faces gaze
While preaching out the Gospel word,
   Our only motive, Jesus' praise.

Our hands unclasp, we've said good-by,
   We have best wishes freely given;
In distant fields our work will lie,
   But then our common home is heaven.

[Source: The Phoenix, 1895, pages 62-64 (Cumberland University Annual)]