Lyr Add: Many Happy Returns of the Day

Subject: Lyr Add: Many Happy Returns of the Day
From: GUEST,Q
Date: 24 Dec 02 - 05:13 PM

Lyr. Add: MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY

Merry words, merry words, ye come bursting around,
Telling all that affection can say,
'Tis the music of heart's chords that's breathed in its sound--
"Many happy returns of the day."
The red cheek of the child is more rich in its glow,
And the bright eye more swift in its ray,
When its mate hails its birth, in its holiday mirth--
"Many Happy Returns of the Day."

But if 'midst the greeting there's one that we miss,
And that one was the dearest of all,
'Tis then we feel lone in a moment like this,
When our loudly hailed birthday shall fall.
What would we not give if the hours could restore,
That dear form that is far, far away,
If the form of that loved one could wish us once more,
"Many happy returns of the day."

The old man may smile as he listens, and fear
He has little time longer to stay,
Still he loveth to hear from the lips that are dear--
"Many happy returns of the day."
Then a garland, a bumper, a dance and a feast,
Let the natal day come when it may,
Be it summer or spring, a gay chorus we'll sing,
"Many happy returns of the day."

Writen for a birthday, but thoughts applicable anytime.
Bodleian Library, Harding B 11(4034), H. P. Such, London, 1863-1885.