SONG.

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FOUND AMONG THE PAPERS OF THE LATE WALTER HERRIES, ESQ.

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Would thou wert mine own wife,

I’d fold thee in these arms,

And shield thee on this faithful breast

Secure from all alarms.

Thou shouldst be with me ever,

And in gladness or in gloom,

Thy presence like a sunbeam

Should life’s every hour illume.

The heaviest toil of life, love,

The weary weight of care,

Cheered by thy smile serene and true,

Most gladly I would bear,

And though forced by sterner duties

From thy gentle side to roam,

I would know an angel blessed me

From the fireside of my home.

Would thou wert mine own wife

Then cherished in this breast,

Thou’dst dwell in tender joyousness

A dove within her nest.

Thus, hand in hand together,

We would tread the path of life,

While flowers of joy should greet thy steps —

Oh! would thou wert my wife.