Thomas Haynes Bayly

My fond affection thou hast seen,
Then judge of my regret
To think more happy thou hadst read more

My fond affection thou hast seen,
Then judge of my regret
To think more happy thou hadst been
If we had never met!
And has that thought been shared by thee?
Ah, no! that smiling cheek
Proves more unchanging love for me
Than labor'd words could speak.

Fear not, but trust in Providence,
Wherever thou may'st be.

Fear not, but trust in Providence,
Wherever thou may'st be.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, Isle of Beauty, Fare thee well!

Absence makes the heart grow fonder, Isle of Beauty, Fare thee well!

Tell me the tales that to me were so dear,
Long, long ago, long, long ago.

Tell me the tales that to me were so dear,
Long, long ago, long, long ago.

I've now got the music book ready,
Do sit up and sing like a lady
A recitative read more

I've now got the music book ready,
Do sit up and sing like a lady
A recitative from Tancredi,
And something from "Palpiti!"
Sing forte when first you begin it,
Piano the very next minute,
They'll cry "What expression there's in it!"
Don't sing English ballads to me!