Page:Scenes in my Native Land.pdf/209

Rh birds were observed to be congregating and circling in joyous wing, as if holding an imitative jubilee of their own.

The result of this gathering, in which pecuniary rain, or political ambition had no part, did not disappoint the hopes of its projectors. May it serve as a precedent for other parts of our country, and may the rekindling of that fraternal feeling, and love for the spot of nativity, which beat strongest in the best hearts, quicken the fountain of true patriotism, and charity for the whole family of mankind.

They come! they come! by ardent memory led, From distant hearth-stones, a rejoicing train, And hand in hand, with kindred feeling, tread Green Berkshire's vales, and breezy hills again,

Back to the cradle of their own sweet birth, Back to the foot-prints of their early prime, Where in the nursery of their native earth They caught the spirit of their mountain clime;

The free, bold spirit, that no change can bind, The earnest purpose that no toil can tame, The calm, inherent dignity of mind, The love of knowledge, and of patriot fame.

They bring the statesman's and the student's dower, The honors that to rural life belong,