>will godwin and leo dryden - the miner's dream of home
>"It is ten weary years since I left England's shore, in a far distant country to roam. How i long to return to my own native land, to my friends and the old folks at home! Last night, as I slumbered, I had a strange dream, one that seemed to bring distant friends near, -I dreamt of old England, the land of my birth, to the heart of her sons ever dear! Refrain: I saw the old homestead and faces I love -I saw England's valleys and dells; I listened with joy, as I did when a boy, to the sound of the old village bells. The log was burning brightly, 'twas a night that should banish all sin, for the bells were ringing the old year out, and the new year in! While the joyous bells rang, swift i wended my way to the cot where i lived when a boy; and I look’d in the window - yes! There by the fire, sat my parents! - my heart filled with joy. The tears trickled fast down my bronzed, furrowed cheek as I gazed on my mother so dear, I knew in my heart she was raising a pray'r for the boy whom she dreamt not was near! At the door of the cottage we met face to face -'twas the first time for ten weary years; soon the past was forgotten - we stood hand in hand -father, mother, and wand'rer in tears. Once more in the fireplace the oak log burns bright, and I promised no more would I roam; as I sat in the old vacant chair by the hearth, and i sang the dear song "home, sweet home!""