“The young companion of our weary way Found here the end desired of all her ills; She who in sickness pining many a day Hunger’d and thirsted for her native hills. Forgetful now of suffering past and pain, Rejoiced to see her own dear home again. “Recovered now the homesick mountaineer Sate by the playmate of her infancy, The twin-like comrade,[11]—render’d doubly dear For that long absence; full of life was she With voluble discourse and eager mien Telling of all the wonders she had seen. “Here silently between her parents stood My dark-eyed Bertha, timid as a dove; And gently oft from time to time she woo’d Pressure of hand, or word, or look of love, With impulse shy of bashful tenderness, Soliciting again the wished caress. “The younger twain in wonder lost were they, My gentle Kate and my sweet Isabel: Long of our promised coming, day by day, It had been their delight to hear and tell; And now when that long-promised hour was come, Surprise and wakening memory held them dumb. ... “Soon they grew blithe as they were wont to be; Her old endearments each began to seek; And Isabel drew near to climb my knee, And pat with fondling hand her father’s cheek; With voice and touch and look reviving thus The feelings which had slept in long disuse. “But there stood one whose heart could entertain And comprehend the fulness of the joy; The father, teacher, playmate, was again Come to his only and his studious boy; And he beheld again that mother’s eye Which with such ceaseless care had watched his infancy. “Bring forth the treasures now—a proud display— For rich as Eastern merchants we return! Behold the black Beguine, the Sister grey, The Friars whose heads with sober motion turn, The Ark well filled with all its numerous hives, Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japhet, and their wives. “The tumbler loose of limb; the wrestlers twain; And many a toy beside of quaint device, Which, when his fleecy flocks no more can gain Their pasture on the mountains hoar with ice, The German shepherd carves with curious knife, Earning in easy toil the food of frugal life. “It was a group which Richter, had he viewed, Might have deemed worthy of his perfect skill; The keen impatience of the younger brood, Their eager eyes and fingers never still; The hope, the wonder, and the restless joy Of those glad girls and that vociferous boy. “The aged friend[12] serene with quiet smile, Who in their pleasure finds her own delight; The mother’s heart-felt happiness the while; The aunt’s rejoicing in the joyful sight; And he who in his gaiety of heart, With glib and noisy tongue performed the showman’s part.”