Let Us Not be Dainty of Leave-Taking -Shakespeare

I am not and have never been good at saying good-bye. The best farewell, in my mind, is one not said. I would rather slip away in the night with no formal conclusion. So-long: so final; it leaves no room for error, for perhaps rendezvousing again.

I sought advice on how to do it, so I would improve, but only received convoluted counsel: If doubtful whether to end with “yours faithfully,” or “yours truly,” or “yours most truly,” . . . refer to your correspondent’s last letter, and make your winding-up at least as friendly as his: in fact, even if a shade more friendly, it will do no harm! - Lewis Carroll

No help at all was that. So, in this, my last entry, I have enlisted the help of wordsmiths more acclimated to beautiful departures. Know their sentiments are mine, but I cannot stay to read them to you myself. I will make my exit while you’re not looking. Please forgive me my character flaw.

This was I, a sparrow. I did my best; farewell. - William Carlos Williams

My friends—No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe every thing . . . I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return . . . To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell. - Abraham Lincoln

Fair thoughts and happy hours attend on you! - William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice

Farewell, farewell, you old rhinoceros, I’ll stare at something less prepoceros. - Ogden Nash

Hasta la vista, baby. - Arnold Schwarzenegger, Terminator 2

Adieu, adieu, adieu! Remember me. - William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Good night, good night. Parting is such sweet sorrow . . . - William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet

And so to bed. - Samuel Pepys

(Lucy Adams is a syndicated columnist and author of If Mama Don't Laugh, It Ain't Funny. She lives in Thomson, GA with her husband and their four children.)