There may be lands more fair than mine,
With skies of cloudless blue,
Where morning's dewdrops brighter shine
On flowers of deeper hue,
Which I might see were I to roam
Afar from thee, my childhood's home.

But while beneath this cloud-fleck'd sky
The rose and violet bloom.
And load each breeze that wanders by
With freights of rich perfume,
Tve joys I prize too much to roam
Afar from thee, my childhood's home.

There may be lands beyond the main
Where lofty mountains rise.
While over forest, lake, aud plain,
The soaring eagle flies.
Which I might see were I to roam
Afar from thee, my childhood's home.

But while the hills around me raise
Their wooded slopes on high.
Where wild birds strive, in joyous lays,
Each other to outvie,
I've joys I prize too much to roam
Afar from thee, my childhood's home.