To Fredrika Bremer

It is proper to say that these lines are the joint impromptus of my sister and myself. They are inserted here as an expression of our admiration of the gifted stranger whom we have since learned to love as a friend.

SEERESS of the misty Norland,

Daughter of the Vikings bold,

Welcome to the sunny Vineland,

Which thy fathers sought of old!

Soft as flow of Silja’s waters,

When the moon of summer shines,

Strong as Winter from his mountains

Roaring through the sleeted pines.

Heart and ear, we long have listened

To thy saga, rune, and song;

As a household joy and presence

We have known and loved thee long.

By the mansion’s marble mantel,

Round the log-walled cabin’s hearth,

Thy sweet thoughts and northern fancies

Meet and mingle with our mirth.

And o’er weary spirits keeping

Sorrow’s night-watch, long and chill,

Shine they like thy sun of summer

Over midnight vale and hill.

We alone to thee are strangers,

Thou our friend and teacher art;

Come, and know us as we know thee;

Let us meet thee heart to heart!

To our homes and household altars

We, in turn, thy steps would lead,

As thy loving hand has led us

O’er the threshold of the Swede.

1849.

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