Page:A Selection of Original Songs, Scraps, Etc., by Ned Farmer (3rd ed.).djvu/92



sit thee, dearest, by my side, and listen while I tell The reason why I love this old Laburnum Tree so well; 'Twas here in childhood's happy time we used to meet and play. And memory tells of blissful scenes on many an after day; Oft busy fancy conjures up the groups that used to meet And chat, and wile away the hours upon this very seat: 'Tis wonderful how many things of good and ill there be, That seem as 'twere to link themselves with this Laburnum Tree.

And oft in summer's heat I seek its dear and welcome shade, And think how like the flowers it bears our brightest hopes must fade, Or when stern winter's chilling blasts have stripped its branches bare, E'en then the tree hath charms for me, it bids me not despair. For though misfortune (winter-like) some present ills may bring, Bright hours shall follow certain, as Old Winter beckons spring, 'Twas planted by a mother's hand, a mother dear to me, Then can you wonder I should love this old Laburnum Tree.