4 '2 
I love the linden-tree! 
For it did shade my early home; 
And ever when sweet spring did come, 
With heart as blithe, as free from care, 
As birds that sung and nestled there, 
I used to con my book for hours, 
Or garlands twine of wilding flowers, 
Beneath the linden-tree. 
I love die linden-tree ! 
For, oh ! when years brought other woes 
And other joys than childhood knows, 
One summer’s eve (so bright a moon 
Methought ne’er grac’d the skies of June) 
’Twas mine, with beating heart, to hear 
The vow to youthful maiden dear, 
Beneath the linden-tree. 
I love the linden-tree ! 
Yea, now, when life is in its sere, 
And “ change and death” are hovering near 
For oft, when meek-eyed eve has given 
Her gloom to earth, her star to heaven, 
To Him who took the sting from death, 
The incense of my heart I breathe 
Beneath the linden-tree. 
