The Ancient Blessing

'Neath a hazel's green, gathered in a ring Sat the men of age, who had known life's sting. They sat them around, Stooped on the ground, For feasting and song, This ven'rable throng, Our fathers, the aged, our seniors, the sage Honoured for their age. With uncovered heads we three of us stood; We were school friends good, Just three village lads, spirited and lighthearted. Our hands on our chests in humbleness lay As in voices strong we enlivened the throng With song after song. At the songs of joy of our childhood world The gray Tamada his moustaches twirled, Then each filled his cup to the very brim And stood up with him. This blessing they spoke "Live long, lads, live happy, Not as we lived in our day!" Peace to your bones, our fathers who moaned! The ills that you bore we also have known, And now, in moments of joy or distress, When children we bless, We speak in your words: "Live long, lads, live happy, Not as we lived in our day!"