Home Thoughts

If I might live until mine eyes
Should look upon that land again,
Where on a lovely lady lies
My whole delight and long hath lain,
Never man's nor maiden's eyes
In my face should see arise
Any trace of grief or pain.
Then many a thing would make me glad,
Whereat of old my heart was sad.

Now I should think myself right near,
Tho' then her place seemed far from mine.
My heart ne'er felt such bitter cheer,
For at our parting sore I pine.
It shows its duteous service clear;
A different story I might hear
If I were somewhere by the Rhine!
Ah, no such tidings could I claim
Since hither o'er the Hills I came.