Old Days In The Country

Old days in the country, sweet dreams of long ago,

Afar from din and tumult, from worry and from woe;

Along the winding river, adown the shady lane –

Old days in the country, O bring them back again!

The Spring with all her glories, the new-clad bush and tree,

The changing fields and meadows, the humming of the bee;

The search for sweet arbutus, the song bird’s welcome refrain –

Old days in the country, O bring them back again!

The dash of apple blossoms, the violet-tinted bloom,

The sweet old-fashioned roses that clambered at the door;

The scent of sultry summer, the glimmer on the grain –

Old days in the country, O bring them back again!

The footbridge o’er the river, the maiden looking down,

The little hand held captive, so slender and so brown;

The sweet and simple promise, the brooklet’s glad refrain –

Old days in the country, O bring them back again!

Old days in the country, rare days of joy and calm,

When heart to heart sang lightly a sweet and soulful psalm;

The cozy chimney corner, the kettle’s cheerful strain –

Old days in the country, O bring them back again!

Feb. 3, 1901