“Home”
The Native American, Washington, D.C., January 1, 1840
Oh, if there be on earth a spot
Where life's tempestuous waves rage not,
Or if there be a charm, a joy,
Without satiety or alloy—
Or if there be a feeling fraught
With every fond and pleasing thought,
Or if there be a hope that lives
On the pure happiness it gives—
That envy touches not—where strife
Ne'er mingles with the cup of life;
Or if there be a word of bliss,
Of peace, of love, of happiness—
Or if there be a refuge fair,
A safe retreat from toil and care,
Where the heart may a dwelling find,
A store of many joys combined,
Where every feeling, every tone,
Best harmonizes with its own,
Whence its vain wishes ne'er can rove,
Oh, it is Home!—a home of love!