We met on Nature’s stage, + 

And May had set the scene, + 

With bishop-caps standing in delicate ranks, + 

And violets blossoming over the banks, + 

While the brook ran full between. + 

The waters rang your call, + 

With frolicsome waves a-twinkle⁠— + 

They knew you as boy, and they knew you as man, + 

And every wave, as it merrily ran, + 

Cried, “Enter Rip van Winkle!” + 