Back to my bosom come, thou early friend; Strange changes have I seen since last with thee I sat beneath mine own laburnum tree, And turn'd thy well-known pages to an end, And watch'd the rays of summer eve descend, Like blessings on the quiet roof of home, And heard the little voice that bade me come To sing the ev'ning psalm. And thou didst lend Thy pictured stores to beautify the dream That hung around me through the silent night, Bringing loved forms. Ah, little did I deem Few years would sweep them from my waking sight!— This comfort visits my lone heart with thee, That these shall meet me in eternity.
