L’Envoy
To the Reader
Why then a final note prolong,Or lengthen out a closing song,Unless to bid the gentles speed,Who long have listed to my rede?To Statesmen grave, if such may deignTo read the Minstrel’s idle strain,Sound head, clean hand, and piercing wit,And patriotic heart—as Pitt!A garland for the hero’s crest,And twined by her he loves the best;To every lovely lady bright,What can I wish but faithful knight?To every faithful lover too,What can I wish but lady true?And knowledge to the studious sage;And pillow to the head of age.To thee, dear school-boy, whom my layHas cheated of thy hour of play,Light task, and merry holiday!To all, to each, a fair good-night,And pleasing dreams, and slumbers light!