Dear mother! as the vine twines around the tree,

So from life’s rude blasts I cling to thee.

My lot has been to feel

Dark shadows o’er my spirit steal;

From slanderous tongues, and envy’s wiles,

Deceit that lurked ’neath wreathing smiles.

Oh! yonder I see the floweret’s hue;

Reviving ’neath the pearly dew.

Dear mother! as the dew to the drooping flower,

So thou to me in sorrow’s dark hour.

My lot has been to learn

Of friendship false, that bright will burn

When fortune spreads her wing of light,

But fades away when cometh night.

Oh! yonder I see a bright star sparkling,

While all around lies cold and darkling.

Dear mother! as the star thou art in weal or wo,

The darker the night, the brighter the glow.

My lot has been to pore

Learning’s classic pages o’er;

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