A Selection of Original Songs, Scraps, Etc., by Ned Farmer (3rd ed.)/The Best Picture
The Best Picture.
In search of a Matsys' why wander—
After Claude, Cuyp, and Rembrandt why roam—
Our time and our money why squander,
When we've far better Pictures at Home?
For alike when the joy-lights are gleaming
In palace, gay castle, or hall,
Or the cotter's bright ingle is gleaming,
'Tis the "Shadow of Friends on the Wall!"
Oh! believe me, I would not speak lightly
Of one soul-gifted, glorious name,
Which serves to illumine so brightly
The undying volume of Fame.
Still, still, when both Claude and Teniers
Indistinct on the memory fall,
We shall fondly look back through the vista of years
To the "Shadow of Friends on the Wall!"