O, when we roved about,
Still young, in clusters, o'er the flow'ry ground,
For ever calling out
At things that took our minds, or things we found,
" Sta-y! Sta-y! Oh! cowslips here, what fine ones for a ball.
Sta-y! Sta-y! I see a wren's nest up beside this wall."

And when we all, at fair,
Had spent our day in crowds, at stall and show,
And noontide's cloudless glare
Had cool'd away to evening's ruddy glow,
" Sta-y! Sta-y! Just see that funny clown, and hear his jokes.
Sta-y! Sta-y! We must buy fairings for the little folks."

As then we went in flock
To spend a merry night with neighbour folks,
And heard the warning clock
Ring out his startling tale of midnight strokes,
" Sta-y! Sta-y! Just see how ends this funny game they play.
Sta-y! Sta-y! The moon will soon be up to light your way."

Or when we took our way
With nimble steps, half bold, and half in dread,
By down or field of hay,
Or shady lanes, with trees above our head,
" Sta-y! Sta-y! How fast you go; I can't keep up with you.
Sta-y! Sta-y! Oh! I am lame; I've gravel in my shoe."

Oh! through the wondrous range
Of life, we fain would call, as we come through
Some mind-o'erwhelming change,
From hopeful joy to fear, and fear too true,
( Softer ) " Sta-y! Sta-y! Oh! happy days, flee not away so soon.
Sta-y! Sta-y! Let not our day's fair sun go down at noon."

But still, whatever good
Has called for thankful joy, amid my fears,
Your love has ever stood
The solace of my height'ning tale of years.
" Sta-y! Sta-y! I try to tread the heavenly way you go.
Sta-y! Sta-y! May you be spared a-while for me below."