The stateliest tree may be felled to the ground,

And its branches unguarded, be scatter’d around.

Her household is broken—her father no more

Recounts to his children the bright days of yore;

’Tis broken and dreary—her fond mother lies

Encircled by earth, and watch’d o’er by the skies.

She sees the old grave-yard—each white gleaming tomb,

And the forms that are slumbering in darkness and gloom,

And a tear of remembrance, and sadden’d regret

She sheds for the homestead she ne’er can forget.