'Twas But A Little Band Of Gold - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
'Twas but a Little Band of Gold. Copyright, 1892, by Frank Harding. Words by J. Joseph Goodwin. Music by Will H. Fox. 
A mother knelt beside a cradle praying for her babe, 'twas ill; Oh, God! she cried, her voice grew feeble, Save my child if 'tis Thy will! Baby's face is pinched with hunger, he lies there like one who's dead, Growing weak instead of stronger-my wedding-ring I'll pawn, she said; Feebly, timidly she entered, on her face a look of care, For her wand'ring thoughts were centered on the cause which brought her there. Chorus. 'Twas but a little band of gold, bent and worn, so thin and old, Mem'ries of the past unfold, sweet recollections bring; For now she could recall the hour when beneath a floral bower She was bound in love's own power by this wedding-ring. 
How much? Well, 'tis worn and dented! True, it was by baby's tooth! Now she flinched and e'en repented, poor, pale mother, old in youth; Come, no time have I to trifle. What, one dollar? 'tis too light! Tears and sobs she tries to stifle, baby must have food to-night! Now the broker gazed and grumbled at his bargain, worn and thin, While the mother, sad and humbled, felt as if she was in sin.-Chorus. 
In this wretched world of ours fondest mothers are most tried, 'Long life's pathway bright-hued flowers wither 'neath the weed of pride; Angels work up storms of sadness, but all clouds ate silver-lined; First comes sorrow, then comes gladness-pain and joy are intertwined; And this mother's fond affection won her friends, who now do bring Joy and gladness and protection, they redeemed her wedding-ring.- Chorus.