Part II
Sydney Exhibition Cantata
Solo—Bass
Where now a radiant city stands,The dark oak used to wave,The elfin harp of lonely landsAbove the wild man’s grave;Through windless woods, one clear, sweet stream(Sing soft and very low)Stole like the river of a dreamA hundred years ago.
Solo—Alto
Upon the hills that blaze to-dayWith splendid dome and spire,The naked hunter tracked his prey,And slumbered by his fire.Within the sound of shipless seasThe wild rose used to blowAbout the feet of royal trees,A hundred years ago.
Solo—Soprano
Ah! haply on some mossy slope,Against the shining springs,In those old days the angel HopeSat down with folded wings;Perhaps she touched in dreams sublime,In glory and in glow,The skirts of this resplendent time,A hundred years ago.