And Ah! when life's summer is flown — my fond home — should I come to thee then —
A stranger — unfriended and lone — couldst thou be to me what thou hast been!
Thy flowers may still bloom — but in vain; — thy tall elms may wave, not for me; —
— For years will have broken the chain, which hath bound me so fondly to thee,
— And the friend I once loved so will never — return to thee, fair as thou art,
And not as of old canst thou ever — Sweet Home! — soothe this desolate heart! —

Fare thee well! I will never forget — the scenes of my youth's happy day: —
Thy loved haunts will dwell with me yet, and cheer me thro' life's lonely way.
And ah! 'tis not ours to despond, from friends and from home though we part —
For Hope points to dwellings beyond, and a rest for the lone weary heart. —
And though, e'er life's day-dream shall close, amid far distant scenes I may roam, —
Bright symbol of future repose, — I will ever think of thee sweet home! —