William Blake, Songs of Innocence: The Ecchoing Green

The Sun does arise,
And make happy the skies.
The merry bells ring,
4
To welcome the Spring.
The sky-lark and thrush,
The birds of the bush,
Sing louder around,
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To the bells chearful sound.
While our sports shall be seen
On the Ecchoing Green.
Old John with white hair
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Does laugh away care,
Sitting under the oak,
Among the old folk.
They laugh at our play,
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And soon they all say,
Such such were the joys.
When we all girls & boys.
In our youth time were seen,
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On the Ecchoing Green.
Till the little ones weary
No more can be merry
The sun does descend,
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And our sports have an end:
Round the laps of their mothers.
Many sisters and brothers,
Like birds in their nest.
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Are ready for rest;
And sport no more seen,
On the darkening Green.