It's oh to bear a weary heart
Among the shine and show!
The little streams run cheerily,
Adown the hills I know.

Men brought me from my distant home
Because my jests were bright,
And clad me in a motley coat
To be the King's delight.

And now my heart aches while I smile,
Mine eyes are dim with woe.
The gallant wind goes merrily
Across the hills I know.

What heed! tho' smiles be far from me,
And hearts be rent with pain,
The jester's bells must chime their glee,
My lord must smile again.

It's oh to wear the motley coat
Above a heart of woe!
The birds are calling all day long
About the hills I know.