There was a man, it was said one time,
Who went astray in his youthful prime.
Can the brain keep cool and the heart keep quiet
When the blood is a river that-s running riot?
And boys will be boys the old folks say,
And the man is better who-s had his day.

The sinner reformed; and the preacher told
Of the prodigal son who came back to the fold.
And Christian people threw open the door,
With a warmer welcome than ever before.
Wealth and honour were his to command,
And a spotless woman gave him her hand.

And the world strewed their pathway with blossoms aboom,
Crying -God bless ladye, and God bless groom! -

There was a maiden who went astray
In the golden dawn of her life-s young day.
She had more passion and heart than head,
And she followed blindly where fond Love led,
And Love unchecked is a dangerous guide
To wander at will by a fair girl-s side.

The woman repented and turned from sin,
But no door opened to let her in.
The preacher prayed that she might be forgiven,
But told her to look for mercy - in Heaven.

For this is the law of the earth, we know:
That the woman is stoned, while the man may go.

A brave man weddded her after all,
But the world said, frowning, -We shall not call.-