The Ecchoing Green

The sun does arise And makes happy the skies.

The merry bells ring To welcome the Spring.

The sky-lark and thrush, The birds of the bush,

Sing louder around, To the bells’ cheerful sound.

While our sports shall be seen on the Echoing Green.

Old John, with white hair, Does laugh away care,

Sitting under the oak, Among the old folk,

They laugh at our play,

And soon they all say.‘Such, such were the joys.

When we all girls & boys, In our youth-time were seen,

On the Echoing Green.’ Till the little ones weary

No more can be merry

The sun does descend,

And our sports have an end:

Round the laps of their mothers,

Many sisters and brothers,

Like birds in their nest,

Are ready to rest;

And the sport has no more seen,

On the darkening Green.