’Twas many years ago, my dear, do you remember?
And how bitter cold it was, the twenty-fourth of December,
When we plighted our troth, for better, for worse,
When I promised to obey—and in sickness to nurse;
When you said yes, I take thee to be my wedded wife,
To have and to hold, for the rest of my life,
To love and to cherish, ’til death us do part;
Today I repeat the same—my old sweetheart.
Sweetheart of my youth, sweetheart you are yet,
And sweetheart from the time when first we met;
Life seems more sweet now, with you by my side;
Even before I was your little bride.
Today I thrice promise, till death us do part,
Till we’re wedded in heaven, sweetheart, dear heart.
Sing.
Sing, you happy children, sing;
It makes you glad for everything.
Sing from morning to the night,
Everything will seem more bright;
And for health there’s nothing better,
Open your lung cells, do not fetter.
If you want to be well and great and strong
When you are older, the world among,
Then sing, just sing, I pray you, sing;
There will be sweet harmony in everything,
Just sing.
Kindness.
Kindness has no value true,
Only a sweet smile will do;
Don’t you think the kindly touch
Of the hand, it don’t seem much.
Yet it means more than one can tell,
It is a time that is spent well.
Let us not forgetful be,
These little kindnesses to see.
Teach us purity and love,
Lend thy light from heaven above;
To you, and me, sweet peace divine,
That goodness from our hearts may shine.
Roses.
Roses, roses, dear fair roses,
In your heart sweet scent reposes;
In the morning when the dew
Trickles diamonds down on you.
Then you lift your head with pride,
You can adorn a fair June bride,
But your life, so short, so fair,
Is dried up by noonday air.