O say, little girl, whither now are you going

James
1 O say, little girl, whither now are you going?
Whither now are you going, to work or to play?

Julia
I'm bound to the school-room, the school-bell is ringing,
For I must be studying my lessons today:
Hear it ring! hear it ring!
So, quick as a thought, I'll be bounding away.

James
2 O say, little boy, whither now are you running?
I wish this fine morning with me you would stay,--

Thomas: I am bound to the school-house, my teacher is waiting,
The bell it is ringing, I must not delay!
Hear it ring! hear it ring!
And I have no time now to loiter and play.

All.
So we all must hasten, our bright faces bringing,
Engaged in our sport we no longer must stay,--
Much better our sweet songs at school to be singing
Than wasting in play the best part of the day,
While the bell, while the bell
Calls all with sweet music to hasten away.


Source: Linden Harp: a rare collection of popular melodies adapted to sacred and moral songs, original and selected. Illustrated. Also a manual of... #139