Some of the many sets of lyrics for the tune, "The Ash Grove" =============== The Ash Grove (1) Down yonder green valley where streamlets meander When twilight is fading I pensively rove*. Or at the bright noontide in solitude wander Amid the dark shades of the lonely ash grove. Twas there while the blackbird was cheerfully singing I first met that dear one, the joy of my heart. Around us [as] for gladness the bluebells were ringing [springing] Ah! then little thought I how soon we should part. [The ash grove, the ash grove that sheltered my home.] Still glows the bright sunshine o'er valley and mountain, Still warbles the blackbird its note from the tree; Still trembles the moonbeam on streamlet and fountain, But what are the beauties of Nature to me? With sorrow, deep sorrow, my bosom [heart] is laden, All day I go mourning [wandering] in search of my love! Ye echoes! oh tell me, where is the sweet [bright] maiden [loved one]? "She [He] sleeps 'neath the green turf down by the Ash Grove." ----- The Ash Grove (2) by John Oxenford The ash grove, how graceful, how plainly 'tis speaking, The wind [harp] through it playing has language for me. Whenever the light through its branches is breaking A host of kind faces is gazing on me. The friends of my childhood again are before me, Each step wakes a memory as freely I roam. With soft whispers laden its leaves rustle o'er me, The ash grove, the ash grove again [alone] is my home. My laughter is over, my step loses lightness, Old countryside measures steal soft on my ear; I only remember the past and its brightness, The dear ones I mourn [long] for again gather here. From out of the shadows their loving looks greet me And wistfully searching the leafy green dome, I find other faces fond bending to greet me, The ash grove, the ash grove alone is my home. My lips smile no more, my heart loses its lightness No dream of my future my spirit can cheer; I only can brood on the past and its brightness, The dead I have mourned are again living here. From ev'ry dark nook they press forward to meet me; I lift up my eyes to the broad leafy dome, And others are there looking downward to greet me; The ash grove, the ash grove alone is my home. ----- The Ash Grove (3) [also known as the Girl Scout Version] Down yonder green valley, where streamlets meander Where twilight is fading, I pensively roam [rove] For [Or] at the bright noontide in solitude wander Amidst the dark shades of the lonely ash grove 'Tis there where the blackbird is cheerfully singing Each warbler enchants with his notes from a tree O [And] [Ah] then little think I of sorrow or sadness The ash grove enchanting [entrancing] spells beauty for me [The ash grove, the ash grove spells...] ----- The Ash Grove (4) by Talhaiarn (John Jones 1810-1870) Shine, blessed sun, on the home of my boyhood, Bright be thy rays on the ancient "Ash Grove"; Dear to my heart is the home of my parents, Home of my infancy, home of my love; Far, far away I have sailed o'er the ocean, Still guided by fate on the wings of unrest; Oh! that I had the swift wings of the swallow, To fly to my home, to return to my nest.] Here in the night when I'm sleeping and dreaming, Far, far away in the Land of the West; Innocent friends of my childhood surround me, Visions of happiness lull me to rest: Ah! when I wake with a start in the morning, Bedewed are my cheeks as I silently mourn; Longing for home and my youthful companions, How hopeless the wish! I shall never return. ----- Let All Things Now Living Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving To God the creator Triumphantly raise. Who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us, Who guideth us on to the end of our days. His banner is o'er us, his light goes before us, A pillar of fire shining forth in the night. Till shadows have vanished and darkness is banished As forward we travel from light into light. ----- The Master Hath Come by Sarah Doudney, 1871 The Master hath come, and He calls us to follow The track of the footprints He leaves on our way; Far over the mountain and through the deep hollow, The path leads us on to the mansions of day: The Master hath called us, the children who fear Him, Who march 'neath Christ's banner, His own little band; We love Him and seek Him, we long to be near Him, And rest in the light of His beautiful land. The Master hath called us; the road may be dreary And dangers and sorrows are strewn on the track; But God's Holy Spirit shall comfort the weary; We follow the Savior and cannot turn back; The Master hath called us, though doubt and temptation May compass our journey, we cheerfully sing: "Press onward, look upward," through much tribulation; The children of Zion must follow the King. The Master hath called us, in life's early morning, With spirits as fresh as the dew on the sod: We turn from the world, with its smiles and its scorning, To cast in our lot with the people of God: The Master hath called us, His sons and His daughters, We plead for His blessing and trust in His love; And through the green pastures, beside the still waters, He'll lead us at last to His kingdom above. ----- On This Night, Most Holy On this night, most holy, in circumstance lowly, Unfolded the story which prophets foretold. Though heav'ns could not hold Him, Mary's arms enfold Him, Holding to her bosom this Child who is God! The Virgin is nursing this wondrous infant King - The Word that was made flesh to end our despair. While angels adore Him, shepherds kneel before Him And kings from the east follow after His star. To Bethlehem hasten! See Jesus awaken! The stable is glowing with this Light of lights! Come hear the great story of God's crowning glory: The Savior Incarnate - God with us unites. Now church bells are ringing and Christians are singing While off'ring their gifts in devotion and love. Your people are waiting and anticipating The day You return from the heavens above. ----- Sent Forth by God's Blessing The following is the Mennonite version. Sent forth by God's blessing, our true faith confessing, The people of God from this dwelling take leave. The supper is ended. Oh, now be extended The fruits of this service in all who believe. The fruit of Christ's teaching, receptive souls reaching, Shall blossom in action for God and for all. His grace did invite us, his love shall unite us To work for God's kingdom and answer his call. With praise and thanksgiving to God everliving The tasks of our ev'ryday life we will face. Our fait ever sharing, in love ever caring, Embracing the children of each tribe and race. With your feast you feed us, with your light now lead us, Unite us as one in this life that we share. Then may all the living with praise and thanksgiving Give honour to Christ and his name that we bear.