The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #167120   Message #4030764
Posted By: Jim Dixon
28-Jan-20 - 08:53 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: David of the White Rock
Subject: Lyr Add: DAVID OF THE WHITE ROCK (John Oxenford)
Not the version that was requested, but I believe this is the same one that is in The National Songbook (mentioned above). I don't think these lyrics have been posted at Mudcat before, so I might as well put them here.

From The Songs of Wales. (Caneuon Cymru) by Brinley Richards (London: Boosey & Co., [1873]), page 58 – which also contains the lyrics in Welsh and a musical arrangement for one voice and piano:


DAVID OF THE WHITE ROCK
(DAFYDD Y GAREG WEN)
English words by John Oxenford

David the bard on his bed of death lies.
Pale are his features and dim are his eyes;
Yet all around him, his glance wildly roves
Till it alights on the harp that he loves.

Give me my harp, my companion so long.
Let it once more add its voice to my song.
Though my old fingers are palsied and weak,
Still my good harp for its master will speak.

Often the hearts of our chiefs it has stirred
When its loud summons to battle was heard.
Harp of my country, dear harp of the brave,
Let thy last notes hover over my grave.