Page:Home; or, The unlost paradise (IA homeorunlostpara00palm).pdf/16

Where gurgling waters 'neath o'ershadowing palms
Invite repose; so, o'er the wastes of life
While sent to roam, where pines full oft unfilled
Intense desire, and nameless ills beset
Us hapless wanderers on an unknown way,
We seek and find oases bright and fair.

  Most fair, most bright, art thou, dear peaceful Home,
Of all best earthly gifts by Heaven bestowed
Man's pilgrim path to cheer. Ever thou art
A refuge from the storm; from the rough wind
A covert. All who may, in each dark hour
When sorrows bow the soul, or when of care
The lighter burden wearily doth press,
Fly to thy bosom, and secluded find
In thy sweet influence solace and repose.
Who know thee not—alas, that such should be!—
Pine for thee, and still hope, though hope deferred
Hath oft made sick the heart, that yet for them
Some spot shall bear thy well-beloved name.
The wanderer thinks of thee. With him he bears