O, I have wandered earth around
On fancy's airy plume;
And sought to find some spot of ground
Where I might find a home!
Beside the city's gilded dome
I chose a mansion fair,
And thought, "Here will I fix my home;"
But something said, "Not there."
I found a lovely rural cot
Beside a crystal stream,
And there, 'mid nature's smiles, I thought
To pass life's transient dream.
Yes, here at last my heart shall rest,
And breathe its evening prayer;
This will be home, I shall be blest,
But something said, "Not there."
Where, then? my weary spirit cried;
Is't on some fairy isle—
Away, where southern oceans glide
'Neath summer's changeless smile?
Where nature wears her fadeless green
And skies are pure and fair,
Is there a home of rest serene?
A whisper came, "Not there."
"There is no home on earth for thee,
No rest in this dark sphere;
Thou art journeying to eternity,
Build not thy mansion here;
For earth, with all its gems and flowers,
Its bending azure skies,
In prison holds the spirits' powers,
Which struggle still to rise.
Away beyond each shining star,
In climes by angels trod,
There is a land more radiant far,
Bright with the smiles of God.
And there are glorious mansions there,
Where all who will may come,
Whose joys invite us to prepare
For heaven, our only home." [Sel.