MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY.
Merry words, merry words, ye come bursting around,
Telling all that Affection can say;
'Tis the music of heart-chords that dwells in the sound,
"Many happy returns of the day!"
The red cheek of the child is more rich in its glow,
And the bright eye more swift in its ray;
When his mates hail his birth in their holiday mirth,
And drink "happy returns of the day!"
The old man may smile while he listens, and feel
He hath little time longer to stay;
Still he liketh to hear from the lips that are dear,
Many happy returns of the day!"
Telling all that Affection can say;
'Tis the music of heart-chords that dwells in the sound,
"Many happy returns of the day!"
The red cheek of the child is more rich in its glow,
And the bright eye more swift in its ray;
When his mates hail his birth in their holiday mirth,
And drink "happy returns of the day!"
The old man may smile while he listens, and feel
He hath little time longer to stay;
Still he liketh to hear from the lips that are dear,
Many happy returns of the day!"
273
