344 THE HUNTING GROUNDS 



Like a meteor it shines, for 'tis borne to the field 

 By those who may die, but who never will yield ; 

 Go search in Fame's volume, you '11 find there its story. 

 And Britain's fair name, midst a halo of glory. 



Chorus. 

 Then fill up your bumpers, and drink to my toast I 

 I pledge ye " The Island" we all love the most : 

 The gem of the ocean, the pride of the earth. 

 The bulwark of freedom, the Land of our birth ! 



THE OLD SONG.* 



There 's something in the well-known tone 



Of ancient ballad lays. 

 That calls to mind, though years have flown. 



The friends of early days. 

 I 've seen them cause the tears to start 



From sternest soldier's eye ; 

 No modern strains could touch his heart 



Like those of days gone by. 



Chorus. 

 Then sing to me the songs of yore ! 



For, though they make me sigh, 

 They bring to mind dear friends once more. 



And happy days gone by. 



I love to hear the ancient lays 



My mother used to sing ! 

 They tell mo of my childhood's days, 



And fond thoughts backwards bring. 

 I dream of days of hope and joy, 



Whene'er I hear that strain ; 



* Afterwards set to music by H. W. A. Beale, Esq., and 

 published by Messrs Ollivier, Bond Street. 



