The glory of Spring-time on valley and hill,

That struck to my heart with a rapturous thrill,

And friends in the sunshine of life’s early ray,

Young, happy, and gay.

All vanished and gone!

Could I see it indeed as in spirit I see,

The home of my youth would be joyless to me;

Like a bird’s empty nest when the tenant has flown,

Deserted and lone.

Soft, softly it rings!