To the West! to the West! there is wealth to be won; A forest to clear is the work to be done; We’ll try it--we’ll do it--and never despair, While there’s light in the sunshine, or life in the air; The bold independence that labor shall buy, Shall strengthen our hearts, and forbid us to sigh; Away, far away, let us hope for the best, For a home is a home, in the land of the West. To the West! to the West, &c. Parody on To the West! 27 To the West! to the West, I once went, do you see, And one visit, I’m sure, was sufficient for me; Oh, the things that I saw there, they frighten’d me quite, And ever since then, sirs, I’ve scarcely been right. My children got sick every day, sirs, almost, And my wife took the chills, and got deaf as a post; Oh, there’s some may exult, but for me, sirs, I’m bless’d If I haven’t as much as I want of the West To the West! to the West, &c. To the West! to the West! where the rivers that flow, Are full of great big alligators, you know; Where the snakes in the forest make you feel precious queer, And you don’t see a bar-room not twice in a year. And if ’cross the prairie you happen to go, You’re sure to be toss’d by some wild buffalo; Where the lakes are like children--they’re never at rest, ’Pon my word, sirs, I soon had enough of the West. To the West! to the West, &c. At the West they told me there was wealth to be won, The forest to clear, was the work to be done; I tried it--couldn’t do it--guv it up in despair, And just see if you’ll ever again catch me there. The little snug farm I expected to buy, I quickly discover’d was just all in my eye; I came back like a streak--you may go--but I’m bless’d If you’ll ever again, sirs, catch me at the West. To the West! to the West, &c. Lillie Bell. 28 Copied by permission of FIRTH, POND & CO., 547 Broadway, owners of the copyright. On the grave near massa’s dwelling, You remember, darkies, well, Stands a stone, so silent, telling Where sleeps gentle Lillie Bell; Where, in spring, the tall bananas To the winds their branches wave, Guarding well from every danger Gentle Lillie’s lonely grave. CHORUS. Oh, Lillie! long-lost Lillie! To thy grave amid the dell Our hearts are sadly turning, Gentle Lillie, Lillie Bell.