THE CHARMS OF MY FATHERLAND

Translated from Queen Hortense (1793-1837). I go to see my own dear land once more, I go to die where first I saw the light ; How much your loss ye cold ones I deplore In whom the thoughts of home no thrill excite. Ye fields, of childhot>d's joys, the teeming scene, With hosts of tender recollections sown, The two-fold charm ye offer me, I ween. Of recent joys mixed up with those long gone. I here below feel more or less the tie That draws me where my infant cradle lay. Sweet sympathy which made life lightly fly And from the grave takes e'en its gloom away. W'earied with absence lengthened out too long, Of former pleasures I delight to dream, My heart revives, fond Hope inspires my song, And still is home, dear home, the cheering theme.