The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1881-07-30
NUMBER a..
Farewell to St. yfncent's Institute
valetlictory Address Read at the Co,n-
mencement. Donal<lsonville, July
FL, 1881.
BY MISS MATTE F. NOLAN.

by MISS MATTE F. NOLAN.
l return. return, return no more!
So breathe sad voices my spirit DER,
Mnrmuring up from the depths Of the heart
When lovely things with their light depart;
Now the unborn voice hath prophets tongue
And feel that a joy is forerer gone!
Mid thy loved scenes, my childhood's
home, till now in tranquil joys my life
was spent. / scarcely reckoned time, so
swiftly passed the years, while far dis
tant ever seemed the landmark ] have
reached to-day! The vanished hours
shall never again bo mine, nor can 1
guess what the uncertain future may re-
veal
True, earth may promise much enjoy
ment, but alas! many trusting hearts
have been deceived, for all the records
of experience declare that often have
the brightest hopes been crushed, the
sayest anticipations suddenly destroyed;
that pleasures disappear just ut the mo-
ment they seem within tho reach of
those who long with, eagerness had
sought them; that ere it touched tho
thirsty lips, tie sparkling cup WAS
dashed to pieces against some unn noticed
rock.
To these unwclcomc theories listened
with reluctance, for schoo. girls seldom
appreciate such wholesome truths, until
painful realities force the conviction
npon them. l, too, have yielded to the
fascination of day dreams which begnile
the youthful fancy, and though Lad
never known care or sorrow, l pictured
to myself bliss that might rule this
day, destined to crown all my efforts for
success. But in the new career that opens
now before me, perceive that Il shadow
has fallen upon the bright vista: 50 oft
have painted, and ere music's gladstone
| strains have died away, IL voice within
my soul signs forth,
Triumphant harmony, be still,
for i'll this very hour l must obey the
stern command that bids INC hasten
hence, that duties hencefolth await me
in another sphere.
| And shall this transition, though inevi-
table, sever the ties of that friendship
which springs from the tenderness of Il
charity divine' Shall my early associa-
ton be forgotton9 Not SO! Though
world wide be my wandcrings, to old,
familiar launts I'll come in spirit still,
though now the hour arrives when l
must leave this beautiful seclusion l SO
loved to call my second home, and these
dear, hallowed walls shall no longer shell
ter my happy youth. Here, like the
charming love.iness of the surrounding
landscape, my existence seemed perpetu-
al spring here have tasted tho pllrest,
hottest Joys, and Of these bear away IL
sacred remembrance that nothing cau
ctface.
All! yes, fondly shall cherish every
precious nlcnelto OF my glrlhOOds lOIue
and friends. Beloved companions, lience-
forth our paths divide; 10 longer shall
we share tile tolls and triumpLsof schot,l
life, no more enjoy together the jnps-
cent amnscments that made SO pleasant
the daily routine, tho welcome holiday
sports, the sweet, religious celebrations,
which, lifting our souls to the Paradise
above, also rejoiced our hearts, teach
ing us to sanctity our every thought and
action.
Above all, our iilial love tribute to or
immaculate Mother, in her own sweet
month of May, the fairest Of the year.
How warmly we greeted tho annual re-
turn Of this festive season. Oh! let me
! 4, n.,1
amid the distractions of life, to serve ;ls
u talislnan to warn ns when dangers and
temptations beSet 0ur way.
But how testify to yon, dear g'ardi-
ans, the deep, the grateful sorrow that |
feel. Fain would delay the sad mo-
ment OF parting from the patient, faith
, full teachers Of Il wayward child! Alas,
for me, were not sure that your kind
interest will follow and your prayers
9 through coming years sustain me.
Mindful Of your warnings, ever mildly
spoken, shall strive earnestly and con-
stantlv to secure for my immortal soul
f Etcrnity's great prize. From you have
: learned, both in precept and example,
the charms and beauty of religion, the
full force of VISIONS naNims and of vir-
4 tues worth Reviewing all these benefits
!, | feel that no human Judgment Inlay
decide your merit, no earthly balant I
measure your reward.
But Oh l know not until now, most
Z kind and gentle Sister, how far lack
the power to give expression to this sn
farewell, which tears alone may speak
d No language may convey the eil'isi"lis o
c nv grateful heart, for the maternal car,
and solicituie SD long hstowed;-e
upon the golden annals of my chil,lr az
I,.,l l,.,al
l. You desire not these testimonies, il"
the noble levotelDcss SO characterised, i,
of tho Daughters Of st. Vincent scorll
= alike tho praises and rewards that pas
N with time; and this is meet, for i,
Heaven only can there he found Il L.
:, compcnse worthy of II disintercstedncs
like yours; yet you will not spurn tin
'e simple pledge offer, that will alway
en.,.avor to correspond with your intell
70 tIons, thus to be III all things your faith
full, docilc child. Long may you l.
u spared to cheer, console and bless yol'
j. many friends and children and b,jshtr
. by your presence this Eden Of loyclines
and peace.
'o Revered Father, again words fail HIT
a and silence may n,ore eloquently tell tn
sincere and tilial affectiou with which
al thank you for the pater1,al goodness .
long exercised i'll my regard. Long sl,a
hc the remembrance ot your wise, s;,lurar
n counseIs, remain ensr.vcn i'll my hear
/ will be faithful to Your holy adni"n
=. tions and the christian virtues yon lia,
u nstilled.
as And now, loved schoolmutes, lie,
IS, Sisters, kind father, all, adi.u. Alihnm.
from my early home and friends ! =
Faith points to Il brighter realm a''ns
at where hsaIts, that now at parting sig
ne shall l:icct t. part nn more.
..,. St. N"ccn:'s, beloved lima Matt
shall | not say s.I thee