My Emma, My Darling

My Emma, my darling, from winter's domain
Let us fly to the glee of the city again,
Where a day never wakes but some joy it renews,
And a night never falls but that joy it pursues ;
Where the dance is so light, and the hall is so bright,
And life whirls onward one round of delight.
Would we feel that we love and have spirits refined,
We must mix with the world, and enjoy humankind.

Mute nature is lovely in earth and in sky,
It cheers the lone heart and enlivens the eye ;
But no where can beauty and dignity shine,
So as in the human face fair and divine.
'Mongst these could I love thee, and that love enjoy,
But, ah ! in the wilderness fond love would cloy ;
To the homes of our kindred our spirits must cling,
And away from their bosoms at last take their wing !