Seeress of the misty Norland, <br />Daughter of the Vikings bold, <br />Welcome to the sunny Vineland, <br />Which thy fathers sought of old! <br /> <br />Soft as flow of Siija's waters, <br />When the moon of summer shines, <br />Strong as Winter from his mountains <br />Roaring through the sleeted pines. <br /> <br />Heart and ear, we long have listened <br />To thy saga, rune, and song; <br />As a household joy and presence <br />We have known and loved thee long. <br /> <br />By the mansion's marble mantel, <br />Round the log-walled cabin's hearth, <br />Thy sweet thoughts and northern fancies <br />Meet and mingle with our mirth. <br /> <br />And o'er weary spirits keeping <br />Sorrow's night-watch, long and chill, <br />Shine they like thy sun of summer <br />Over midnight vale and hill. <br /> <br />We alone to thee are strangers, <br />Thou our friend and teacher art; <br />Come, and know us as we know thee; <br />Let us meet thee heart to heart! <br /> <br />To our homes and household altars <br />We, in turn, thy steps would lead, <br />As thy loving hand has led us <br />O'er the threshold of the Swede.<br /><br />John Greenleaf Whittier<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-fredrika-bremer/
