When

When summer days are long, dear,

And hearts are full of song, dear,

I like to wander with you over mead and over heather;

I like to roam with you, dear,

Along the river view, dear,

Or take a skiff and idle down the winding stream together.

The world for us is bright, dear,

Love always is in sight, dear,

The mellow skies upon our love are ever clear and shining;

The birds upon the boughs, dear,

Chant forth our plighted vows, dear,

And we shall never know the pain of parting or repining.

When summer days have fled, dear,

And all is gold and red, dear,

And we no more can wander thro’ the meadows brown and dying,

I’ll come back to your side, dear,

And claim you for my bride, dear,

And nevermore we’ll say “good bye”, when autumn winds are sighing.

June 6, 1901