Oh! the happy days of childhood,
How I wish them back again;
Free from sorrow, care and trial,
Knowing naught of grief or pain.
Like a calm and happy valley,
Where the crystal waters flow,
In a soft perpetual motion,
Making music here below.

Loving mem'ries sweep now o'er me,
Bringing back those days of yore;
Making me forget my sadness,
And I seem at home once more;
Yes! at home 'mid all the dear ones,
Underneath a mother's care,
Taking to her all our trials,
Sure of finding solace there.

Peaceful, happy vale of childhood,
Angels surely lingered there,
Watching o'er each tiny flower
With such tender, zealous care:
Oh! ye angels of the children,
Will ye not pass here to-day?
And forgetting I'm a woman
Drop a blessing on the way.