In tones that said plainly, we come from the heart.
We think of thee sister, when absent or here,
And wish not thine eye to be dimmed by a tear.
"Be cheerful," thou saidst, but, O how can I be,
When thou, my dear sister, art absent from me?
Sweet home looks so vacant, so lonely and drear,
I cannot be cheerful as when thou art here.
"Be cheerful," thou saidst, when about to depart,
And conscious that grief was oppressing my heart.
I thank thee, my sister, thy counsel was good,