O the sunny days before us, before us, before us, br When all was bright br From holt to height, br And the heavens were shining o'er us; br When sound and scent, with vision blent, br Wingèd Hope, and perched Content, br Joys that came, and ills that went, br Seemed singing all in chorus. br br O the dreary days behind us, behind us, behind us, br When all is dark, br And care, and cark, br Or transient gleams remind us br Of fruitless sighs, averted eyes, br Baffled hopes and loosened ties, br Pain that lingers, time that flies, br And the hot tears come and blind us.