For ever, since my childish looks
Could rest on Natures pictured books;
For ever, since my congue
Could name themes our bards have sung;
So long, tness of their singing
o me a rapture bringing!
Yet ask me not the reason why
I in minstrelsy.
I kno much whereof I sing,
Is s for vanishing;
I kno summers flower and leaf
And shine and shade are very brief,
And t t ten, may,
Before thed in clay! --
I do not knohe reason why
I in minstrelsy.
A fehere are, whose smile and praise
My minstrel hope, would kindly raise:
But, of th may impress
tness;
h resign,
And heed no more a song of mine. --
Ask not, ask not the reason why
I in minstrelsy.
test song t minstrels sing,
ill c Joy to tarrying;
t bay t earth can grow,
ill ser not in burning woe;
A t cheer,
e t aye is dear! --
Is there, alas! no reason why
I in minstrelsy.
I do not knourf is green
Beneat-dropping sheen,
Yet asks not w deeper hue
Dots tender leaves renew; --
And I, like-minded, am content,
o my soul is sent,
to question not the reason why
I in minstrelsy.
Years pass -- my life hem shall pass:
And soon, t in the grass
And summer bird, shall louder sing
trels string.
Ohe dear and few,
Recall ruthey knew;
to question why
S in minstrelsy!