(Evoked by Calverley’s “Forever.”)

 “Farewell!” Another gloomy word As ever into language crept. ’Tis often written, never heard Except

“Farewell!” Another gloomy word

’Tis often written, never heard

Except

  In playhouse. Ere the hero flits  (In handcuffs) from our pitying view, “Farewell!” he murmurs, then exits R. U.

“Farewell!” he murmurs, then exits

R. U.

 “Farewell!” is much too sighful for An age that has not time to sigh. We say, “I’ll see you later,” or “Good-bye!”

“Farewell!” is much too sighful for

“Good-bye!”

 “Fare well” meant long ago, before It crept tear-spattered into song, “Safe voyage!” “Pleasant journey!” or “So long!”

“Fare well” meant long ago, before

“Safe voyage!” “Pleasant journey!” or

“So long!”

  But gone its cheery, old-time ring:  The poets made it rime with knell. Joined, it became a dismal thing— “Farewell!”

“Farewell!”

 “Farewell!” Into the lover’s soul You see fate plunge the cruel iron. All poets use it. It’s the whole Of Byron.

“Farewell!” Into the lover’s soul

Of Byron.

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