No.74

The Ash Grove

The Oxenford Lyrics

The ash grove, how graceful, how plainly 'tis speaking

The wind through it playing has language for me.

When over its branches the sunlight is breaking,

A host of kind faces is gazing on me.

The friends of my childhood again are before me

Each step wakes a memory as freely I roam.

With soft whispers laden the leaves rustle o’er me

The ash grove, the ash grove again is my home.

Down yonder green valley where streamlets meander

When twilight is fading I pensively rove

Or at the bright noontide in solitude wander

Amid the dark shades of the lonely ash grove.

‘Twas there while the blackbird was cheerfully singing

I first met that dear one, the joy of my heart

Around us for gladness the bluebells were ringing

But then little thought I how soon we should part.

My lips smile no more, my heart loses its lightness;

No dream of the future my spirit can cheer.

I only can brood on the past and its brightness

The dear ones I long for again gather here.

From ev'ry dark nook they press forward to meet me;

I lift up my eyes to the broad leafy dome,

And others are there, looking downward to greet me

The ash grove, the ash grove, again is my home.

-o0o-