"My Poor Dog Tray" (circa 1799-1800) A Favorite Song. Poetry by T. Campbell. Composed by James Hewitt, 1770-1827 T. Campbell Publication: New York: James Hewitt, No.23 Maiden Lane [Source: 031/146@Levy] 1. On the green banks of Shannon what Shelah was nigh No blithe Irish lad was so happy as I. No harp like my own could so cheerfully play And where ever I went was my poor dog Tray, Was my poor dog Tray, was my poor dog Tray, And where ever I went was my poor Dog Tray. 2. When at last I was forc’d from my Shelah to part, She said while the sorrow was big at her heart: “Oh! remember your Shelah when far, far away, And be kind, my dear Pat, to our poor Dog Tray. To our poor Dog Tray, to our poor Dog Tray. And be kind, my dear Pat, to our poor Dog Tray.” 3. Poor dog! he was faithful and kind to be sure, And he constantly lov’d me although I was poor; When the sour looking folks sent me heartless away, I had always a friend in my poor Dog Tray. In my poor Dog Tray, in my poor Dog Tray, I had always a friend in my poor Dog Tray. 4. When the road was so dark, and the night was so cold, And Pat and his dog were grown wear, and cold, How snugly we slept in my old coat of grey, And he lick’d me for kindness— My poor Dog Tray. My poor Dog Tray, My poor Dog Tray, And he lick’d me for kindness— My poor Dog Tray. 5. Though my wallet was stolen, I remember’d his case, Nor refus’d my last crust to his pitiful face, But he died at my feet on a cold winter day, And I play’d a sad lament to my poor Dog Tray. To my poor Dog Tray, to my poor Dog Tray, And I play’d a sad lament to my poor Dog Tray. 6. Where now shall I go, poor, forsaken and blind? Can I find one to guide me so faithful and kind To my sweet native Village, so far, far away, I can ne’er more return with my poor Dog Tray. With my poor Dog Tray, with my poor Dog Tray, I can ne’er more return with my poor Dog Tray.