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I LOVE THEE ILLINOIS. 

 (By 8. B. Mason, Director 17th Congressional District.) 



S. B. Mason. 



I love the waving fields of grain, 

 The dawning skies of gold and sun, 

 The twilight hours when day is done; 

 It's all in Illinois! 



I love the prairies and the dells, 

 The cheering breeze that swells 

 And dies again with evening bells 

 In Illinois, dear Illinois! 



I love the gorgeous yellow flowers 

 That autumn brings in shady bowers, 

 Delightful days and sunny hours; 

 In Illinois, blest Illinois! 



I love the groves and plains and fields, 

 The richest soil that plenty yields, 

 The restful hope one always feels 

 In Illinois, my Illinois! 



In thy country's need a son, 

 Heroic men who victory won; 

 I love thee for what thou hast done 

 Oh, Illinois, great Illinois! 



Here lie the green graves of our sires, 

 Of men who fought our country's wars, 

 The loved and lost of passing years, 

 In Illinois, my Illinois! 



