But deep within her heart old Nature knew That she had once arrayed, at Earth's behest, Another offspring, fine and fair to view,-- The chosen suckling of the mother's breast. The child was wrapped in vestments soft and fine, Each fold a work of Nature's matchless art; The mother looked on it with love divine, And strained the loved one closely to her heart. And there it lay, and with the warmth grew strong And hearty, by the salt sea breezes fanned, Till Time with mellowing touches passed along, And changed the infant to a mighty land.
But men knew naught of this, till there arose That mighty mariner, the Genoese, Who dared to try, in spite of fears and foes, The unknown fortunes of unsounded seas. O noblest of Italia's sons, thy bark Went not alone into that shrouding night! O dauntless darer of the rayless dark, The world sailed with thee to eternal light! The deer-haunts that with game were crowded then To-day are tilled and cultivated lands; The schoolhouse tow'rs where Bruin had his den, And where the wigwam stood the chapel stands; The place that nurtured men of savage mien Now teems with men of Nature's noblest types; Where moved the forest-foliage banner green, Now flutters in the breeze the stars and stripes!
Oh, I have n't got long to live, for we all Die soon, e'en those who live longest; And the poorest and weakest are taking their chance Along with the richest and strongest. So it's heigho for a glass and a song, And a bright eye over the table, And a dog for the hunt when the game is flush, And the pick of a gentleman's stable.
There is Dimmock o' Dune, he was here yester-night, But he 's rotting to-day on Glen Arragh; 'Twas the hand o' MacPherson that gave him the blow, And the vultures shall feast on his marrow. But it's heigho for a brave old song And a glass while we are able; Here 's a health to death and another cup To the bright eye over the table.
I can show a broad back and a jolly deep chest, But who argues now on appearance? A blow or a thrust or a stumble at best May send me to-day to my clearance. Then it's heigho for the things I love, My mother 'll be soon wearing sable, But give me my horse and my dog and my glass, And a bright eye over the table.