Dear mother! as the vine twines around the tree,

So from life’s rude blasts I cling to thee.

My lot has been to feel

Dark shadows o’er my spirit steal;

From slanderous tongues, and envy’s wiles,

Deceit that lurked ’neath wreathing smiles.

Oh! yonder I see the floweret’s hue;

Reviving ’neath the pearly dew.

Dear mother! as the dew to the drooping flower,

So thou to me in sorrow’s dark hour.