AN ADDRESS BY THE MEMBERS OF THE “INSTITUTE” TO THEIR FRIENDS

Dear friends, to this our social feast, We bid you welcome gladly, And trust you will not in the least Spend moments with us sadly.

For though we've no great Bardling's strain Joined to rich organ's pealing, Yet none the less may Pleasure's train Be softly near us stealing.

And should she deign to show her face, To smile on us benignly, Let's give to her a chaste embrace, By no means most supinely.

What though we lack exciting cause For loud, uproarious laughter? Our temperate fare will not dispose To heart-upbraidings after.

Yet we may well of mirth-enjoy A reasonable measure; And even skill and time employ To gain so bright a treasure.

Avoiding still too great extremes, Enjoy in moderation The blessings which our Father deems Best for us in each station.

Then we need have no vain regrets, No consciences unruly,— For sense of doing right begets A sense of peace most truly.