From Afar

A house stands by the "Danube far away,
To me so fair, I think of it all day;
The fond remembrance of that spot so dear,
Will ever make my heart swell with a tear.

Ah, had I never thence set forth; but man
Is always moved by some ambitious plan,
And falcon-wings grew to my heart's desire
I left my home, my mother, and my sire.

How great my mother's grief I cannot tell;
When bidding her 'mid sobs and sighs, farewell,
The pearly dew, that showered from her eyes,
To quench her burning pains, did not suffice.

Still do I feel her trembling arms' embrace;
Still do I see her haggard, care-worn face.
Oh, had I then my fate at all foreseen,
Her dear entreaties vain had never been.

Seen in the rays of hope's bright morning star,
Our future days enchanted gardens are;
Only to our delusion do we wake.
When in the devious pathway of mistake-

But why relate how hope's enticing ray,
Though cheering me, misled me from my way?
How, wandering o'er the bleak world's barren sod,
My faltering feet on myriad thorn-spikes trod.

Some friends have started toward my home to go;
What of the truth shall I let mother know?
Go to her, countrymen, if you come near
The 'house wherein reside my parents clear.

Pray, tell my blessed mother not to fret;
Say that her son is now fair fortune's pet.
For should, the loving soul the plain truth hear,
Her tender heart, alas, would break, I fear!