Dear sister, canst not thou remember,
When I'd been absent for awhile,
With what a boyant step thou'dst meet me,
And greet me with thy sunny smile?

And, when fatigued, I sought retirement,
Or left thee for a few short hours,
Oft them wouldst steal into my chamber
And strew my couch with fragrant flowers.

I trust that flame is not extinguished,
Although our duty bade us part;
I trust it still is burning brightly
Upon the altar of thy heart.

O come, and join the fireside circle
Around the old paternal hearth;
Come, let thy smiles and songs delight us,
They are like sunlight to the earth.

The little birds are singing sweetly;
The verdant fields perfume the air;
Our garden walks would be most pleasant,
If Susan's voice was ringing there.

Adieu, dear sister, for the present,
But tell me, wilt thou not be here
Ere the wintry winds are sighing
Requiems o'er a dying year?