MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY. MERRY words, merry words, ye come bursting around, Telling all that Affection can say; 'Tis the music of heart-chords that dwells in the sound, "Many happy returns of the day!" The red cheek of the child is more rich in its glow, Still he liketh to hear from the lips that are dear, Though Misfortune is nigh, let the kind words float by, That the hand of the Future may drain off the gall, If we bask in content while another short year How we prize the fond wishes, all gladly sincere, That come round with the soul-pledging kiss.. Oh! our place in the world will be chilly and drear, When our natal-tide passes away Without one to remember, or breathe in our ear, "Many happy returns of the day!" There are moments when Truth and Devotion increase, Till they burn in the crucible breast; With an increase and might that we knew not the light And that flame will be vividly flashing out thus, Be it autumn or spring, a gay chorus we'll sing, 66 Many happy returns of the day!"—Eliza Cook. THE END. BELL AND BAIN, PRINTERS, 41 MITCHELL STREET, GLASGOW. |