Two happy gods, gay Mars and Jove,
Came down to Spain a bet to prove,
For Mars had vowed, "Men work to live,
And some may sell, but none will give."
They begging went from door to door,
But nothing gained from rich or poor;
And so through Spain they starved until
They chanced upon the River Sil.
Ah, long ago!
So long ago!
Such marvels happened long ago,
Long ago!

Ah, long ago!
So long ago!
Such marvels happened long ago!

And here they sought a lowly pair,
Who set before them humble fare,
And gave them money for their way,
"You want it more than we," said they.
Then, smiling, Jove the truth declared,
Quoth he, "Since we so well have fared,
These sands for ages yet untold
Shall pass the bank as current gold."
Ah, long ago!
Yes, long ago!
What marvels happened long ago
Long ago!

Ah, long ago!
So long ago!
What marvels happened long ago!

The River, ah, the River!
Sing ho! for the River,
The River, ah, the River!
Sing ho! for the River,
Sing ho!