When mother reads aloud, the past Seems real as every day: I hear the tramp of armies vast, I see the spears and lances cast, I join the thrilling fray; Brave knights and ladies fair and proud I meet, when mother reads aloud.
When mother reads aloud, far lands Seem very near and true; I cross the desert’s gleaming sands, Or hunt the jungle's prowling bands, Or sail the ocean blue; Far heights, whose peaks the cold mists shroud, I scale, when mother reads aloud.
When mother reads aloud, I long For noble deeds to do— To help the right, redress the wrong; It seems so easy to be strong, So simple to be true. Oh, thick and fast the visions crowd My eyes when mother reads alond!
