THE ROAD OF NOW AND THEN

Tinkle, tinkle go the bells, King and prince and silver knight March through stories grandma tells When the winter fire's alight. Down the Road of Stories ride People who have never died; Fairies float and trumpets blow, Pretty soldiers fence and bow, On the Road from Long Ago, Long Ago till Now. Johnnie Fawkner sailed a boat, There's its picture in the book; Roses, wreaths and banners float 'Round the head of Captain Cook. In the time when knights were bold Ladies rode with bells and chains, Horses rugged in white and gold, Feather-legged with plaited manes. Singing, Watch Europa go, Wearing thinner clothes than silk. Riding from the cattle show On her bull as white as milk. Sturt he led a caravan, Kelly made the bankers jump; Leichardt was a camel-man Riding on a camel-hump. Down the Road of Stories march Gentle-folk and bullock-men, Cracking whips and wearing starch On the Road of Now and Then

WHISPER! When you're coming in the door Please come gently, very gently! Micky might be on the floor! Fact, he might be anywhere! Near the hallstand, by the stair! Hush! step gently, very gently! When you're coming in the door.

Down the Road of Stories go All the people that we know. Oh! what wonders grandmas show, Spectacles on brow, 'Bout the Road from Long Ago, Long Ago, Long Ago, 'Bout the Road from Long Ago, Long Ago till Now.