50 



I lay at one time twixt the living and dead, 

 'Twas then they despaired of my life ; 

 I thought in those days 'twould be folly to wed, 

 And begged that some other might stand in my stead, 

 Some other might choose her as wife. 



Those moments so solemn come back to me still ; 



The prayer that went up from my heart ; 

 Ah me ! for a sight of the house by the hill. 

 The slow running river that crept by the mill ; 



Old mare you have acted your part. 



My heart was too full to confide in a man, 



I crept to your box in my grief, 

 I cried, I was weak, and my tears as they ran 

 Fell over your shoulder, those men of the van 



Would laugh, but it brought me relief. 



Ah God ! as I looked at your bonny grey face. 



Your language was easy to read ; 

 My life in the future I asked you to trace, 

 You answered, take courage, go on with the race 



Of life and put trust in your steed. 



Oh noble companions, dumb creatures we know. 



You lead us in duty and love, 

 Your honest example in life as you go. 

 Your courage, devotion and mettle can show 



A motive worked out from above. 



