In valleys of springs of rivers
By Ony and Teme and Clun
The country for easy livers
The quietest under the sun

We still had sorrows to lighten
One could not be always glad
And lads knew trouble at Knighton
When I was a Knighton lad

By bridges that Thames runs under
In London, the town built ill
'Tis sure small matter for wonder
If sorrow is with one still

And if as a lad grows older
The troubles he bears are more
He carries his griefs on a shoulder
That handselled them long before

Where shall one halt to deliver
This luggage I'd lief set down?
Not Thames, not Teme is the river
Nor London nor Knighton the town:

'Tis a long way further than Knighton
A quieter place than Clun
Where doomsday may thunder and lighten
And little 'twill matter to one