Dulcis Memoria + 

Long, long ago I heard a little song, + 

(Ah, was it long ago, or yesterday?) + 

So lowly, slowly wound the tune along, + 

That far into my heart it found the way: + 

A melody consoling and endearing; + 

And now, in silent hours, I’m often hearing + 

The small, sweet song that does not die away. + 

Long, long ago I saw a little flower⁠— + 

(Ah, was it long ago, or yesterday?) + 

So fair of face and fragrant for an hour, + 

That something dear to me it seemed to say⁠— + 

A wordless joy that blossomed into being; + 

And now, in winter days, I’m often seeing + 

The friendly flower that does not fade away. + 

Long, long ago we had a little child⁠— + 

(Ah, was it long ago, or yesterday?) + 

Into his mother’s eyes and mine he smiled + 

Unconscious love; warm in our arms he lay. + 

An angel called! Dear heart, we could not hold him; + 

Yet secretly your arms and mine infold him⁠— + 

Our little child who does not go away. + 

Long, long ago? Ah, memory, make it clear⁠— + 

(It was not long ago, but yesterday.) + 

So little and so helpless and so dear⁠— + 

Let not the song be lost, the flower decay! + 

His voice, his waking eyes, his gentle sleeping: + 

The smallest things are safest in thy keeping⁠— + 

Sweet memory, keep our child with us alway. + 