Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-10-18
mIsCELLANEoUs READING.
A FAREWELL TO G. P. R. JAMES.

From the Southern Literary Messenger
The departure of Mr.. G. P. R. Janos for
bis new abode in Venice WAS so sudden
thing that no opportunity was afforded his
many friends, in our city of meeting him, as
they bad wished, at the festive board. An
Invitation for Farewell Dinner was in
deed extended him, but his numerous and
pressing engagements preparatory to leaving,
compelled him to decline it. A few gentle
men uniting in desire to present him with
some testimonial OF their regard, caused
handsome piece OF silver to be prepared and
handed to him, with these insCriptions-on
one side, Odd Dominion Julep Bowl on the
reverse
"To c. ?. r. JAMss,
From a few OF his friends in Virginia,
May their names,
Familiar TO his ears as household words,
Be in this flowing cup aeshy remembered
At an informal social meeting on the occasion
of the presentation, the following lines were
read, and they are here printed in accordance
with the wishes of the parties In giving them,
the editor of the Messenger feebly expresses his
feelings in parting with most amiabe gentle
man. whose literary friendship ne has for seve-
raj years most highly valued:
Good bye! they say the time is up
The solitary horseman" leaves US,
Wed like to take "stirrup cup"
Though much indeed the parting grleves US:
Wed like 10 hear the glasses clink
Around board where none were tipsy,
And with hearty greeting drink
This toast-The Author of the Gypsy!
The maidens fair of many cline
Have blubbered DER MS fearful pages,
The Ariosto of his time,
Romancist of the Middle Ages;
In hction's realm a shining star,
(We own ourselves his grateful debtors)
VINO would not call G. p. R.
"H. B. NJ Ca Man OF Letters7
But not with us his pen avails
To win our hea-ts--this English scion,
Though there are not so many tales
To every roaring British Lion
For he has yet prouder claim
To praise than dukes and lords inherit,
Or wealth can give or lettered fame
His honest heart and modest merit
An Englishman, whose sense of right
Comes down from glorious Magma Charta,
He loves, and loves with all his might,
This last embraces much, It's best
To comprehend just what is stated
For Honi Soit-you know the rest
And need not have the French translated.
o. empty bauble ofrenown,
So quickly lost and won so dearly,
Our Consul wears the Muses. crown,
We love him for his virtues merely;
A Prince he's ours as much as Fame's,
And relgns in friendship kindly DER us,
Then call him George Prince Regent James,
And let mis- country swell the chorus.
His country! we would gladly pledge
Its living greatness and its glory
In Peace admired and ION the edge
OF battle terrible in story:
A little isle, its cliffs itrears
'Gainst wind and waves in wrath united,
And Dobly for thousand years
Has kept the fire Of freedom lighted.
A glowing spark in time there came,
Like sunrise, DER the angry water,
And here is fed, an altar flame,
BY Britain's democratic daughter
From land to land kindred fire
Beneath the billow now is burning,
Omay it thrill the magic wire
With only love and love returning!
But since we cannot meet again
Where wine and wit are freely flowing,
Old friend! this measure take and drain
A brimming health to us in going:
And far beneath Italia's sky,
Where sunsets glow with hues prismatic,
Bring out the bowl when you are dry,
And pledge US by the Adriatic!
JHo. r. THOMPSON.
Richmond, Va, goth September, 1855.