The smiling parents watch their sportive play,

Well pleased to see their darling boy so gay;

The mother whispers in her husband’s ear,

“Is he not beautiful?” she says, “my dear!”

“He is a noble boy,” he quick replies,

“O, long may he be spared to bless our eyes!

“But see! thy mute guitar neglected stands;

“Come, dearest, take it in thy willing hands,

“And sing to me one of thine own sweet songs,

“Surely the need of song to thee belongs.”