LINES
written on the banks of the Skullkill.
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WHILST a stranger I wander afar from the shores,
Where my heart must for ever remain;
Oh! say why that heart all its cheerfulness pours,
Oh! the banks of the Skullkill again?
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2.
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is not the villas that hang on the brow, |
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Nor
the harvests that scatter the field;
It is not the swelling Savannah’s below
Nor the treasures her commerce can yield;
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3.
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But
’tis that which the Skullkill alone
of each stream
That adorns her Columbia can prove;
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’Tis
the gentle ingenuous manners that beam,
On her social politeness and love!
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4.
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*Philadelphia!
how well do thy merits approve,
The fair title affection has given;
Where thy sons are the union of brotherly love,
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thy daughters are seraphs from Heaven! [Page
25] |
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5.
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For
me; when my country receives me again
And my tale shall recall what has past,
The dear banks of the Skullkill my praise shall
retain
Whilst my mem’ry and gratitude last!
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6.
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Yes!—I
bid unregretting a final adieu,
To each scene that Columbia reveres,
But a lingring farewell from my soul shall bedew
The dear banks of the Skullkill with tears. [Page
26]
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*
Philadelphia is the Greek word for brotherly love!
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