Ah! who can say?
T. Severn
Throw down the lute and seize the lance.
This is no time for song and dance;
Go quench the festive lamps again;
And check the bard's too joyous strain!
At dawn of day they'll ride away --
When to return -- ah! who can say?
How full of change, and full of strife
Must be the warrior's roving life!
But danger gives his heart relief --
He hath no time to nourish grief.
At dawn of day, they'll ride away --
When to return -- ah! who can say!
But woman has a dreary fate --
He goes -- she lingers at the gate --
And where he left her, lives to miss
All that once made that life seem bliss!
At dawn of day they'll ride away --
When to return-- ah! who can say?