To My Absent Daughter.

Georgie, come home!--Life's tendrils cling about thee,         Where'er thou art, by wayward fancy led.     We miss thee, love!--Home is not home without thee--         The light and glory of the house have fled:     The autumn shiver of the linden-tree     Is like the pang that thrills my frame for thee!     Georgie, come home!--To parents, brother, sister         Thy place is vacant in this lonely hall,     Where shines the river through the "Jeannie Vista,"         While twilight shadows lengthen on the wall:     Our spirits falter at the close of day,     And weary night moves tardily away.     Georgie, come home!--The winds and waves are singing         The mournful music of their parting song,     To soul and sense the sad forboding bringing,         Some ill detains thee in the town so long:     Oh, that the morn may dissipate the fear,     And bring good tidings of my daughter dear!     Georgie, come home!--The forest leaves are falling,         And dreary visions in thy absence come;     The fountain on the hill in vain is calling         Thee, my beloved one, to thy woodland home.     And I imagine every passing breeze     Whispers thy name among the moaning trees!     Georgie, come home!--Thy gentle look can banish         The gathering gloom round this once cheerful hearth;     In thy sweet presence all our care will vanish,         And sorrow soften into mellow mirth.     Return, my darling, never more to roam:     Heart of the Highlands!--Georgie, dear, come home!