I have heard a robin singing When the boughs were brown and bare, And the chilling hand of winter Scattered jewels through the air. And in spite of dates and seasons, It was always spring, I know, When I loved Lucy Landman In the days of long ago. Ah, my little Lucy Landman, I remember you as well As if 't were only yesterday I strove your thoughts to tell,-- When I tilted back your bonnet, Looked into your eyes so true, Just to see if you were loving Me as I was loving you. Ah, my little Lucy Landman It is true it was denied You should see a fuller summer And an autumn by my side. But the glance of love's sweet sunlight Which your eyes that morning gave Has kept spring within my bosom, Though you lie within the grave. THE GOURD In the heavy earth the miner Toiled and laboured day by day, Wrenching from the miser mountain Brilliant treasure where it lay. And the artist worn and weary Wrought with labour manifold That the king might drink his nectar From a goblet made of gold. On the prince's groaning table Mid the silver gleaming bright Mirroring the happy faces Giving back the flaming light, Shine the cups of priceless crystal Chased with many a lovely line, Glowing now with warmer colour, Crimsoned by the ruby wine. In a valley sweet with sunlight, Fertile with the dew and rain, Without miner's daily labour, Without artist's nightly pain, There there grows the cup I drink from, Summer's sweetness in it stored, And my lips pronounce a blessing As they touch an old brown gourd. Why, the miracle at Cana In the land of Galilee, Tho' it puzzles all the scholars, Is no longer strange to me. For the poorest and the humblest Could a priceless wine afford, If they 'd only dip up water With a sunlight-seasoned gourd. So a health to my old comrade, And a song of praise to sing When he rests inviting kisses In his place beside the spring. Give the king his golden goblets, Give the prince his crystal hoard; But for me the sparkling water From a brown and brimming gourd! THE KNIGHT Our good knight, Ted, girds his broadsword on (And he wields it well, I ween); He 's on his steed, and away has gone To the fight for king and queen. What tho' no edge the broadsword hath? What tho' the blade be made of lath? 'T is a valiant hand That wields the brand, So, foeman, clear the path! He prances off at a goodly pace; 'T is a noble steed he rides, That bears as well in the speedy race As he bears in battle-tides. What tho' 't is but a rocking-chair That prances with this stately air? 'T is a warrior bold The reins doth hold, Who bids all foes beware! THOU ART MY LUTE Thou art my lute, by thee I sing,-- My being is attuned to thee. Thou settest all my words a-wing, And meltest me to melody.