Illinois Verse/Farewell

by Anna Shattuck Palmer

For works with similar titles, see Farewell.

Farewell

To Illinois we do not say adieu.
Tho the Good God with her forever be!
We hope to meet again both happy and free,
But auf wiedersehen does not meet our view.
We love our fine old English word farewell
With its hearty wish to prosper and succeed,
Its blessing on the future word and deed,
—Its ringing sound like some intoning bell.

The end has come and we into the world
Pass out,—bearing treasures rich and rare,
Cherishing memories surpassing fair.
Prosperity and greatness all foretell
Dear Alma Mater. Beneath her flag unfurled
We the Illini say,—"Fare-the-well."