Mother, I leave thee⁠—thou hast been, + 

Through long, long years of pain, + 

The only hope my fond heart knew; + 

Or e’er shall know again. + 

The sails are set⁠—my master waits + 

To bear me far from thee; + 

I linger⁠—can I give thee up, + 

And cross the fearful sea? + 

Oh, let me gaze! how bright it seems, + 

As busy memory flies, + 

To view those scenes of other days, + 

Beneath those bright blue skies. + 

The little hut where I have played + 

In childhood’s fearless hours⁠— + 

The murmuring stream⁠—the mossy bank, + 

Where I have gathered flowers. + 

I knew not then I was a slave, + 

Or that another’s will, + 

Save thine, could bend my spirit’s pride; + 

Or bid my lips be still. + 

Who now will soothe me at my toil, + 

Or bathe my weary brow? + 

Or shield me when the heavy lash + 

Is raised to give the blow? + 

Thy fond arms press me⁠—and I feel + 

Thy tears upon my cheek; + 

Tears are the only language now, + 

A mother’s love can speak. + 

Think of me, mother, as I bend + 

My way across the sea; + 

And midst thy tears, a blessing waft, + 

To her who prays for thee. + 