SING, I pray, a little song, br Mother dear! br Neither sad nor very long: br It is for a little maid, br Golden-tressed Adelaide! br Therefore let it suit a merry, merry ear, br Mother dear! br br Let it be a merry strain, br Mother dear! br Shunning e’en the thought of pain: br For our gentle child will weep, br If the theme be dark and deep; br And we will not draw a single, single tear, br Mother dear! br br Childhood should be all divine, br Mother dear! br And like an endless summer shine; br Gay as Edward’s shouts and cries, br Bright as Agnes’ azure eyes: br Therefore, bid thy song be merry:—dost thou hear, br Mother dear?br br Barry Cornwallbr br