CHILDREN, leave me here a little; don't disturb me, I request;
For Mamma is very tired, and fain would take a little rest.
'Tis the place, the same old place, though looking somewhat pinched and small.
Ah, 'tis many and many a day since last I looked on Locksley Hall!
Then 'twas in the spring of life and love—ah, Love, the great Has-been!
Love which, like the year's own Spring, is very nice—and very green!
In the Spring the new French fashions come the female heart to bless,
In the Spring the very housemaid gets herself another dress;
In the Spring we're apt to feel like children just let loose from school;
In the Spring a young girl's fancy's very apt to play the fool.