A withered branch, to us a fall immense;
For oh! what fear and torment were we in.
But hark! a distant cry, our mother’s call,
And loving voices reached our listening ears,
While through the wood we saw the gleam of lights—
Oh! to us all what sweet relief and joy.
What tender kisses, and what welcome smiles,
Now quickly tranquillized our foolish fears!
After our sobs, we laughed for very joy,
E’en while our sisters trembled at our tale.