James Whitcomb Riley

A Parting Guest

WHAT delightful hosts are they —
    Life and Love!
Lingeringly I turn away,
    This late hour, yet glad enough
They have not withheld from me
    Their high hospitality.
So, with face lit with delight
    And all gratitude, I stay
    Yet to press their hands and say,
"Thanks. — So fine a time! Good night."