American Old Time Song Lyrics: 35 The Temple Fire

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 35

THE TEMPLE FIRE
[Philadelphia, Pa.]
Words by Augustus Assenmacher.
Tune-"Over the Hills to the Poor House."

The Temple Theatre is burning, is the cry that goes through the town,
Its beautiful walls, its fine towers, in ruin and ashes are down.
But the loss we mourn for most deeply is the death of two firemen bold.
Who, crushed under the failing masses, were found there lifeless and cold.

Chorus.
Enshrined in the mem'ry of loved ones, these brave men we proudly hero name.
Truck B lost John Johnson, "a hero"; 4 engine, John Gibson, "the same."

The fire-laddy's lot is full of danger, grim death lurks for him every day,
So the city ought to act graceful, give "laddy more generous pay."
Provide for the widows and orphans, look when he's feeble and old, "shame,"
Leave me to private donations, what the city owes to its name.- Chorus.

WHAT SHALL I ASK FOR THEE?
Copyright, 1867, by Root & Cady.
Words by Mrs. R. B. Edson. Music by James R. Murray.

What shall I ask for thee, wish for thee sweet? skies that are peaceful and calm,
Seas that, are storm less, and winds that are soft as the low breath of a psalm?
No, as I love thee, I ask not that life be from all bitterness free.
Something of sweetness and something of strife, dear one, is better for thee.

Chorus.
May the kind angels, who watch o'er the good,
Guide thy dear feet as they roam,
And in the land that is better than this,
Give thee forever a home.

Still I would ask for thee, out of my love, more of the sunshine than storm.
With but enough of life's sorrows and pain to keep thy heart tender and warm;
Faith to look upward in gladness or gloom, hope mid the direst defeat;
Firmness in trial and patience in pain, these would I ask for thee, sweet.- Cho.

This most of all I would ask for thee, sweet, grace to be patient and strong,
Meekness to bear all thy crosses And care, courage to battle with wrong;
May the kind angels, who watch o'er the good, guide thy dear feet as they roam,
And in the land that is better than this, give thee forever a home.- Chorus.