~ The Ash Grove ~

Down yonder green valley, where streamlets meander
Where twilight is fading, I pensively roam
Or at the bright noontide in solitude wander
Amid the dark shades of the lonely ash grove
'Tis there that the blackbirds are cheerfully singing,
Each warbler enchants with its notes from a tree
Ah then little think I of sorrow or sadness,
The Ash grove enchanting, spells beauty for me.

The ash grove how graceful, how plainly 'tis speaking
The harp through it playing has language for me
Wherever the light through its branches is breaking,
I see the kind faces of friends dear to me.
The friends of my childhood again are before me,
Each step brings a memory as freely I roam
With soft whispers speaking, its leaves rustle near me
The ash grove, the ash grove alone is my home.