University of Virginia Library

CHOICE OF COUNTRIES.

FATHER.
I would cross the wide Atlantic,
And the cliffs of England hail,
For there my country's fathers
First set their western sail.
I would view its domes and palaces,
And tread each learned hall,
And on the soil where Newton trod
My foot should proudly fall.
I would gaze upon its landscapes,
The dell and sunny glade,
And tread with awe the cloister'd aisle
Where Addison is laid.

LOUISA.
I would seek the Indian Ocean,
Where the sea-shell loves to grow,
Where the tints upon its bosom
In gorgeous beauty glow.
I would chase the parting billow
For treasures new and rare,
And with wreaths of blushing coral
Entwine my waving hair.

CAROLINE.
I would be a ship's commander,
And find the northern pole,
While o'er untravelled oceans
My vent'rous bark should roll.
Or I'd seek untrodden islands,
Amid Antarctic seas,
And the standard of my country
Plant first before the breeze.

ELIZA.
Oh, give to me my birth-place,
My dear, my native home!
From its fair and sheltering borders
I ask not e'er to roam.
My schoolmates here are playing,
My parents dear I see;
Oh, give to me my birth-place,
It is fair enough for me!

ANNA.
I do not know where England is,
Nor any other place,
But I love to frolic with my puss,
And see her wash her face.
I'll keep close by my baby-house,
And be very good all day,
If one I love will dress my dolls
And let me have my way.

MOTHER.
The whole broad earth is beautiful,
To minds attuned aright,
And wheresoe'er my feet have turn'd,
A smile has met my sight.
The city, with its bustling walk,
Its splendour, wealth, and power,—
A ramble by the river side,—
A passing summer flower;
The meadow green, the ocean's swell,
The forest waving free,
Are gifts of God, and speak in tones
Of kindliness to me.
And oh, where'er my lot is cast,
Where'er my footsteps roam,
If those I love are near to me,
I feel that spot my home.