Severn Song

The Severn flow is soft and fair, as slowly
The light grows dim ;
The sunset glow is soft and full, and holy
As evening hymn.
We float along beneath the forest darkling,
Blending with song the silence of the hour :
We swiftly glide where rapids bright and sparkling
Bear us beside the ruddy rock and tower.
O softly, softly row in measured time,
While nearer, nearer swells the curfew chime.
Now, now again adown the current shooting,
New joy we hail;
While through the forest thrills the fairy fluting
Of nightingale.

O sweet and sweeter that hidden lay,
That in the twilight dies away.
Then merrily onward ! O merrily row !
And smoothly swift, O Severn, flow !
The Severn flow is swift and strong, as neareth
The home we love ;
The sunset glow has paled and passed, and cleareth
The heaven above.
The children's eyes will soon be gently closing,
Calm stars arise and shine on earth instead ;
And through the night, all peacefully reposing,
Angels of light shall guard each tiny bed.
O swiftly, swiftly row o'er darkening stream,
While nearer, nearer shines the home lamp's gleam.

Now, now awake the song of purest thrilling,
Of home and love ;
And call the echoes forth, with music filling
The rocks above.
Our song is sweetest as falls the day,
For we are on our homeward way :
Then merrily onward ! O merrily row !
And smoothly swift, O Severn, flow !