Historic Gardens of Virginia 



"The autumn rains are falling fast, 

 Earth, the heavens are overcast; 

 The rushing winds mournful sigh, 

 Whispering, alas ! good-bye ; 



To each fond remembrance farewell and forever, 

 Oak Hill I depart to return to thee never! 



"The mighty oaks beneath whose shade 

 In boyhood's happier hours I've played. 

 Bend to the mountain blast's — wild sweep. 

 Scattering spray they seem — to weep; 

 To each moss-grown tree farewell and forever. 

 Oak Hill I depart to return to thee never! 



"Oh, home of my boyhood, why must I depart? 

 Tears I am shedding and wild throbs my heart; 

 Home of my manhood, oh ! would I had died 

 And lain me to rest by my dead mother's side. 

 Ere my tongue could have uttered farewell and forever. 

 Oak Hill I depart to return to thee never !" 



In after years Mr. Gouverneur could never be induced to visit 

 the place. 



One could dream dreams of lovely women and brave men 

 who walked under the lilac bushes. Fascinating Dolly Madison, 

 with the stately LaFayette, Thomas Jefferson and lovely Mrs. 

 Monroe, Martha Jefferson and the distinguished owner. The 

 ladies' hair piled high in puffs, ornamented with tall tortoise-shell 

 combs, the sleeves bouffant with cushion of feathers, pointed waists, 

 and flowered skirts. 



One can imagine them pause by the sundial inscribed: 



"Time is too Slow for those who Wait, 

 Too Swift for those who Fear, 

 Too Long for those who Grieve, 

 Too Short for those who Rejoice, 

 But for those who Love 

 Time is Eternity." 



Maria Powell Thomas. 

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