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One evening so silent as I was out walking
I spied an old woman sat down by a tree
And as I drew nigh her, I could hear her soft talking
These wishes she made for the child on her knee:
For the child on her knee,
For the child on her knee,
These wishes she made for the child on her knee.
First, I'll wish that in peace you may always be living
Oh, never to kill at a sergeant's command;
For King and for country's no reason for giving
Your life and your blood in some far away land:
May you be your own master; let no man control you
Whether tyrant of government, factory or farm
No matter the wages they'll pay to console you
To slavery's orders ne'er lift a strong arm:
Good health be your fortune, no gift can excel it
But guard it from those who would take it away
In mills, mines, and factories they'll force you to sell it
For industry's profit most dearly you'll pay:
And the last of my hopes is for friendship and kindred
For the love of companions is our greatest need
And though you may live to the age of a hundred
It's young you'll remain while friendships succeed:
So now, lads and lasses, come fill up your glasses
And drink a good health to our children so dear
Hail and farewell to the old year that passes
To friends and to loved ones, a Happy New Year:
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