Toward that sweet Valley where I had been reared;

'Twas but a shore hour's walk, ere veering round

I saw the snow-white church upon her hill

Sit like a throned Lady, sending out

A gracious look all over her domain.

You azure smoke betrays the lurking town;

With eager footsteps I advance and reach

The cottage threshold where my journey closed.

Glad welcome had I, with some tear, perhaps,

From my old Dame, so kind and motherly,