An’ then he tried a tender strain thet melted in our ears,
Thet brought up blessed memories and drenched ’em down ’ith tears;
An’ we dreamed uv ol’ time kitchens, ’ith Tabby on the mat,
Tu home an’ luv an’ baby days, an’ mother, an’ all that!
An’ then he struck a streak uv hope—a song from souls forgiven—
Thet burst from prison bars uv sin, an’ stormed the gates uv heaven;
The morning stars together sung—no soul wuz left alone—
We felt the universe wuz safe, an’ God was on His throne!
An’ then a wail of deep despair an’ darkness come again,
An’ long, black crape hung on the doors uv all the homes uv men;