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 And to the hearthstone where they first drew breath, Must see them, parted at the appointed bound. When comes the day of ripeness and the spell That held them one is broken, soon—ah! soon The bands seem loosened all, and one by one, Mature for life's high calling, goeth forth With many a backward look and secret pang; Till where but now there stirred a cheerful throng Reigns the hushed quietness of emptied halls! 'Tis so, O Time, that thy resistless hand With scene on scene the mortal drama fills.

Alfred and brothers twain too soon are missed When meet the household band. One burning heart Hath kindled into generous passionate love At Learning's shrine, by names illustrious fired That, shining as bright orbs through ages gone, Lit up the darkness, and for coming time Together blended form a milky way Glorious as that which spans night's ebon vault.