I
Every day hath its night:
    Every night its morn:
Through dark and bright
    Wingèd hours are borne;
        Ah! welaway!
Seasons flower and fade;
    Golden calm and storm
        Mingle day by day.
    There is no bright form
Doth not cast a shade —
        Ah! welaway!

II
When we laugh, and our mirth
    Apes the happy vein,
We're so kin to earth
    Pleasuance fathers pain —
        Ah! welaway!
Madness laugheth loud:
    Laughter bringeth tears:
        Eyes are worn away
    Till the end of fears
Cometh in the shroud,
        Ah! welaway!

III
All is change, woe or weal;
    Joy is sorrow's brother;
Grief and sadness steal
    Symbols of each other;
        Ah! welaway!
Larks in heaven's cope
    Sing: the culvers mourn
        All the livelong day.
    Be not all forlorn;
Let us weep in hope —
        Ah! welaway!