OH MOTHER, TAKE THE WHEEL AWAY. 



OLD SONG. 



Oh mother, take the wheel away and put it out of sight, 

 For I am heavy hearted and I cannot spin to-night: 

 Come nearer, nearer yet, I have a story for your ear 

 So come and sit beside me, come and listen, mother dear; 



You heard the village bells to-night; his wedding bells they were 



And Mabel is his happy wife, and I am lonely here; 



A year ago to-night, I mind, he sought me for his bride, 



And who so glad at heart as I, that happy Eastertide? 



But Mabel came among us, and her face was fair to see, 

 What wonder was it, mother, that he thought no more of me? 

 When first he said fair words to her I know she would not hear, 

 But in the end she listened, — could she help it, mother dear? 



And afterward we met, and we were friendly all the same: 

 For ne'er a word I said to them of anger or of blame 

 Till both believed I did not care, and maybe they were right, 

 But, mother, take the wheel away, I cannot spin to-night! 



93 



