of the Old World. 359 



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 me of my childhood's days, 



And fond thoughts backwards bring. 

 I dream of days of hope and joy, 



"Whene'er I hear that strain ; 

 I think that I am still a boy, 



And hear her voice again. 



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. 



The echoes of the wood were several times 

 awakened by our rattling choruses, which reverbe- 



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

 Messrs. OLLIVIEK, Bond Street. 



