Wanderings

Ere yet I left home’s youthful shrine, My heart and hope were stored Where first I caught the rays divine, And drank the Eternal Word.

I went afar; the world unroll’d Her many-pictured page; I stored the marvels which she told, And trusted to her gage.

Her pleasures quaff’d, I sought awhile The scenes I prized before; But parent’s praise and sister’s smile Stirr’d my cold heart no more.

So ever sear, so ever cloy Earth’s favours as they fade; Since Adam lost for one fierce joy His Eden’s sacred shade.