My Childhood's Home

I HAVE tasted each varied pleasure,

   And drunk of the cup of delight;

I have danced to the gayest measure

   In the halls of dazzling light.

I have dwelt in a blaze of splendour,

   And stood in the courts of kings;

I have snatched at each toy that could render

   More rapid the flight of Time's wings.

But vainly I've sought for joy or peace,

   In that life of light and shade;

And I turn with a sigh to my own dear home—

   The home where my childhood played!

When jewels are sparkling round me,

   And dazzling with their rays,

I weep for the ties that bound me

   In life's first early days.

I sigh for one of the sunny hours

   Ere day was turned to-night;

For one of my nosegays of fresh wild flowers,

   Instead of those jewels bright.

I weep when I gaze on the scentless buds

   Which never can bloom or fade;

And I turn with a sigh to those gay green fields—

   The home where my childhood played.