I cling to thee as clings the vine
Around some noble forest tree—
And when thou shalt thy strength resign,
I too would fall and sleep with thee
Yes, ’neath yon bright and flaming sun,
And this our own dear native sky,
We long have liv’d and lov’d as one,
And would as one together die.
Thou’rt dear to me through all of time—
And in that hour when life takes wing,