Henry Romaine Pattengill

“ I hear their gentle voices calling, "Old Black Joe."
Chorus—
I'm coming, I'm coming,
For my head is bending low;
I hear their gentle voices calling "Old Black Joe."
Why do I weep when my heart should feel no pain?
Why do I sigh that my friends come not again,
Grieving for forms now departed long ago?
I hear their gentle voices calling "Old Black Joe."
Chorus—I'm coming, I'm coming, etc.
Where are the hearts once so happy and so free? ”

“ In the schoolroom here we sit,
Hour by hour, and day by day;
Can you tell me, schoolmates, why we hither come?
Why not glad, and free and gay,
Spend the time in sport and play,
On the street, or in each happy, happy home? ”

“ Dark billows forever their vigil will keep.—Cho.
Old ocean, proud ocean, forever in motion,
Upon thy dark bosom what ensigns unfurled;
Beneath thy deep heaving and ceaseless commotion,
Thou holdest the chain that is binding the world. ”

“ He gently leads me with His hand,
For this is heaven's border land.
A sweet perfume upon the breeze
Is borne from ever vernal trees,
And flowers that never fading grow,
Where streams of life forever flow. ”

“ The melodious songs of the blest,
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessings of rest.—Cho.
To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise,
For the glorious gifts of His love,
And the blessings that hallow our days.—Cho.
↑ Used by arrangement with Oliver Ditson Co., owners of the copyright. ”