The Bells of Leopold

At dawn across the eastern hills
I used to hear the clear-toned bells,
Now low and sweet, now loud and bold,
The ringing bells of Leopold.

I've heard then in the gay springtime
Rig out the merry wedding chimes,
In silver notes and not too bold,
Those gala bells of Leopold.

And sometimes on an autumn day
They say they sing a roundelay,
In softened tones--in notes of gold,
The mellow bells of Leopold.

I've heard that at the midnight hour,
Sometimes there creeps out from the tower
A solemn song, as days of old
Speak through the bells of Leopold.

And one day when a dirge was played,
And sadness hearsed both man and maid,
I heard them moan across the wold,
Those solemn bell of Leopold.

I've gone afar from childhood scenes,
But still there come to me in dreams,
Those memories sweet of joys old,
And I hear the bells of Leopold.

This poem was written by Dr. Vest Myers (now deceased), former Dean of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau. It was written in 1931.