Title:

Facing pages [120-121]

Date:

18640429-18640430

Home, Twas there I lay me down upon my pillow. A Soldier's pillow. knapsack hard and worn, Beneath the shelter of a drooping willow. To rest my weary limbs till break of [morn]. Thus on my earthy couch, 'neath heaven's bright dome. I fell asleep, and sleeping dreamed of home. I dreamed my soldier labors all were o'er Service expired, and home ward I did [illegible] to that loved spot where I should meet once more. The dear ones I had left in days gone by. The train sped swiftly on its home-ward track. As if in [illegible] to bring the soldiers back. Home, Home, home. I see it as a I would the turn, the head grows dizzy and the pulses leap. Impatitience mixed with joy - oh how I yearn to meet those loved one's - how I laugh then weep. Home, yes tis home loved ones are there, waiting. Sister and Brother too my bliss to share. There is the hillside where I used to play there is the brooklet that I loved so well, the same old rocks of gneiss and granite [illegible]. And there beneath them lies the [illegible][illegible]. Yet best of all there is my cottage home. Thither I'm hasting never [illegible] to roam.

English

Collection:

Henry O. Nightingale diaries