LA GOLONDRINA
(English words Thos. M. Westrup, ca. 1883)

Whither so swiftly flies the timid swallow,
What distant bourne seeks her untiring wing?
To reach it safe, what needle does she follow,
When darkness wraps the poor, wee storm-tossed thing?
To build her nest near to my couch, I'll call her;
Why go so far bright and warm skies to keep!
Safe would she be; no evil should befall her,
For I am an exile sad, too sad to weep;

My fatherland is dear, but I too left it;
Far am I from the spot where I was born;
Cheerless is life, fierce storms of joy bereft it;
Made me an exile lifelong and forlorn.
Come then to me, sweet feathered pilgrim stranger;
Oh! Let me clasp thee to my loving breast,
And list thy warbling low, secure from danger,
Unwonted tears bringing relief and rest.

I will try to find the words by Narciso Sarradell, published by Ditson, 1885. There are several texts in Spanish, and several translations or interpretations in English.

The lyrics above from a copy published in 1889 by Thomas Goggan & Bro., Galveston, TX, compliments of the Mexican National Railroad, which entered Texas at Laredo and crossed to the Gulf.

Levy Sheet Music: Levy