When the voices of children are heard on the green
For works with similar titles, see Nurse's Song.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d9/Blake_manuscript_-_Notebook_23_-_When_the_voices_of_children_are_heard_on_the_green.jpg/400px-Blake_manuscript_-_Notebook_23_-_When_the_voices_of_children_are_heard_on_the_green.jpg)
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When the voices of children are heard on the green,
And whisperings are in the dale,
The [desires del.] days of my youth rise fresh in my mind,
My face turns green & pale.
Then come home, my children, the sun is gone down
And the dews of night arise;
Your spring & your day are wasted in play,
And your winter & night in disguise.