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.”

Analysis, meaning and summary of James Whitcomb Riley's poem A Parting Guest

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