I'LL SING TO THEE THE FONDEST LAYS.
I
I'll sing to thee the fondest lays
That blue-eyed maiden ever heard;
I'll glean from songs of other days
Each tender thought, each gentle word:
I will not let my fancy rove
To themes that charm the worldly throng:
Oh! no! for fairy dreams of love
And nought but love shall grace my song.
II
I'll twine for thee the fairest flowers
That bloom upon the moss-rose tree;
I'll climb the hills, I'll search the bowers,
To find a garland fit for thee;
I'll breathe to thee each fervent vow
That ever pledged a lover's truth,
And swear the tie that links us now
Shall long outlive the smiles of youth.
III
I'll build for thee the lightest bark
That ever sailed upon the sea;
And when the troubled waves are dark,
My faithful arms shall shelter thee:
To glory's track,—or fortune's smile,
Let other vessels proudly float,
To some secluded sunny isle
I'll gaily steer my precious boat.
