Now, good Cesario, but that piece of song,
That old and antique song we heard last night.
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Now, good Cesario, but that piece of song,
That old and antique song we heard last night.
Methought it did relieve my passion much,
More than light airs and recollected terms
Of these most brisk and giddy-paced times.
Come, but one verse.

We are tenting tonight on the old camp ground,
Give us a song to cheer.

We are tenting tonight on the old camp ground,
Give us a song to cheer.

And grant that when I face the grisly Thing,
My song may trumptet down the gray Perhaps
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And grant that when I face the grisly Thing,
My song may trumptet down the gray Perhaps
Let me be as a tune-swept fiddlestring
That feels the Master Melody--and snaps.

Songs consecrate to truth and liberty.

Songs consecrate to truth and liberty.

Builders, raise the ceiling high,
Raise the dome into the sky,
Hear the wedding song!
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Builders, raise the ceiling high,
Raise the dome into the sky,
Hear the wedding song!
For the happy groom is near,
Tall as Mars, and statelier,
Hear the wedding song!

Listen to that song, and learn it!
Half my kingdom would I give,
As I live,
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Listen to that song, and learn it!
Half my kingdom would I give,
As I live,
If by such songs you would earn it.

The song is ended / But the melody lingers on.

The song is ended / But the melody lingers on.

The song on its mighty pinions
Took every living soul, and lifted it gently to heaven.

The song on its mighty pinions
Took every living soul, and lifted it gently to heaven.

I think, whatever mortals crave,
With impotent endeavor,
A wreath--a rank--a throne--a grave--
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I think, whatever mortals crave,
With impotent endeavor,
A wreath--a rank--a throne--a grave--
The world goes round forever;
I think that life is not too long,
And therefore I determine,
That many people read a song,
Who will not read a sermon.