Throw down the lute and seize the lance.
This is no time for song and dance ;
Go quench the festive lamps again ;
And check the bard's too joyous strain !
At dawn of day they'll ride away --
When to return -- ah ! who can say ?

How full of change, and full of strife
Must be the warrior's roving life !
But danger gives his heart relief --
He hath no time to nourish grief.
At dawn of day, they'll ride away --
When to return -- ah ! who can say !

But woman has a dreary fate --
He goes -- she lingers at the gate --
And where he left her, lives to miss
All that once made that life seem bliss !
At dawn of day they'll ride away --
When to return-- ah ! who can say ?