Yon brook that quickly courses To turn the busy mill, Then spent its unclaim'd forces Adown the heath-clad hill. The heather to plantation Has yielded, and below, A bustling railway station Contrasts with LONG AGO. The breeze is freshly blowing Full in yon harbour's face, And yet some craft are going Their wat'ry way to trace. The adverse wind unheeding, The waves aside they throw; By steam their journey speeding-- How changed from LONG AGO. I meet a friend--he mentions That news of import grand, O'er half the earth's dimensions Has reach'd the Irish land. Th' events occurr'd this morning, And now each fact we know By an electric warning, Undreamt of LONG AGO. The village school is ending Its labours for the day, Each child, released, is wending Its joyous homeward way. Blithe be their youthful gambols, Uncheck'd by care or woe, As were my boyhood's rambles, How long, how LONG AGO. And as my tott'ring paces Proceed, there's at my side One whom for varied graces I gladly make my bride. Her dark hair then contrasted With locks now tinged with snow, But still our love has lasted The same as LONG AGO. Thus let it be for ever-- Let Youth enjoy its time; Let Age, contented, never Regret its vanish'd prime. Life's joys, life's hopes, life's duties, Each passing year will show, And retrospective beauties Appear in LONG AGO.