 | Verses from The island book |  |
208
THE HUNT OF 1857.
We meet once more where oft we've met
In many a by-gone year;
Of all the earth, this spot is yet
The one to memory dear.
In many a by-gone year;
Of all the earth, this spot is yet
The one to memory dear.
For here, while still in manhood's prime,
Amid these scenes so fair
Oft have we hailed the glorious time
When, freed from toil and care,
Amid these scenes so fair
Oft have we hailed the glorious time
When, freed from toil and care,
Obedient to the welcome call,
With spirits light as air,
We 've gathered round the antlered hall
Its social mirth to share.
With spirits light as air,
We 've gathered round the antlered hall
Its social mirth to share.
There wit, with vine-leaved laurels crowned,
Presided o'er the feast,
The merry, joyous laugh went round
At many a sparkling jest.
Presided o'er the feast,
The merry, joyous laugh went round
At many a sparkling jest.
209
And oft the songs of ancient days
Were sung with heartfelt glee,
More welcome still the varied lays
Of island minstrelsy.
Were sung with heartfelt glee,
More welcome still the varied lays
Of island minstrelsy.
The hours flew by, and never yet
In all life's changing scene
Have lighter hearts together met,
Or happier days been seen.
In all life's changing scene
Have lighter hearts together met,
Or happier days been seen.
Thus while we keep the memory bright
Of joys forever flown,
We'll pledge the glorious chief to-night
Who reigns in old Naushon.
Of joys forever flown,
We'll pledge the glorious chief to-night
Who reigns in old Naushon.
1857.
| Verses from The island book | |