Stranica 389 [389]
a ee a ee ee Hő
HisTORIC. GARDENS “Oe VIe cin A
— — - as
“The autumn rains are falling fast,
Earth, the heavens are overcast;
The rushing winds mournful sigh,
Whispering, alas! good-bye;
To each fond remembrance farewell and forever,
Oak Hill I depart to return to thee never!
‘The mighty oaks beneath whose shade
In boyhood’s happier hours I’ve played,
Bend to the mountain blast’s—wild sweep,
Scattering spray they seem—to weep;
To each moss-grown tree farewell and forever,
Oak Hill I depart to return to thee never!
“Oh, home of my boyhood, why must I depart?
Tears I am shedding and wild throbs my heart;
Home of my manhood, oh! would I had died
And lain me to rest by my dead mother’s side,
Ere my tongue could have uttered farewell and forever,
Oak Hill I depart to return to thee never!”
In after years Mr. Gouverneur could never be induced to visit
the place.
One could dream dreams of lovely women and brave men
who walked under the lilac bushes. Fascinating Dolly Madison,
with the stately LaFayette, Thomas Jefterson and lovely Mrs.
Monroe, Martha Jefferson and the distinguished owner. The
ladies’ hair piled high in puffs, ornamented with tall tortoise-shell
combs, the sleeves bouffant with cushion of feathers, pointed waists,
and flowered skirts.
One can imagine them pause by the sundial inscribed: —
“Time is too Slow for those who Wait,
Too Swift for those who Fear,
. Too Long for those who Grieve,
Too Short for those who Rejoice,
But for those who Love
Time 1s Eternity.”
MARIA POWELL THOMAS.
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