Page:Songs of the Affections.pdf/142

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Burdening the heart with tenderness, That deepens 'midst the gloom.

Where finds it you, ye wandering ones? With all your boyhood's glee Untamed, beneath the desert's palm, Or on the lone mid-sea? By stormy hills of battles old? Or where dark rivers foam? —Oh! life is dim where ye are not— Back, ye beloved, come home!

Come with the leaves and winds of spring, And swift birds, o'er the main! Our love is grown too sorrowful— Bring us its youth again! Bring the glad tones to music back! Still, still your home is fair, The spirit of your sunny life Alone is wanting there!