Classic Poem

O' ER field and plain, in childhood's artless days,
Thou sprang'st with me, on many a spring-morn fair.
" For such a daughter, with what pleasing care,
Would I, as father, happy dwellings raise! "

And when thou on the world didst cast thy gaze,
Thy joy was then in household toils to share.
" Why did I trust her, why she trust me e'er?
For such a sister, how I Heaven should praise! "

Nothing can now the beauteous growth retard;
Love's glowing flame within my breast is fann'd.
Shall I embrace her form, my grief to end?

Thee as a queen must I, alas, regard:
So high above me placed thou seem'st to stand;
Before a passing look I meekly bend.