Farewell to Nauvoo

Fair the city of the saints! my heart to thee Wisdom and knowledge that will not decay;

Will often turn with sadness and regret, Light and intelligence that will impart

When far away my dwelling place shall be, New glory to the beauties of creation,

For there are scenes I never can forget, Filling the mind with wondering admiration.

Connected with the memory of Nauvoo;

Scenes which my heart will often dwell upon. O! I have listened with suspended breath

And memory to her station ever true To hear words of wisdom as they fell

Will bring them back to me when I am gone, From lips inspired, and felt that life nor death,

These scenes with mournful pleasure recollected Nor all the powers combined of earth and hell

In memory's glass will often be reflected. Could never force my heart to turn aside

From principles so holy and sublime.

Though the obliterating hand of time Truth be my only creed, and God my guide,

Has from the mind a thousand things effaced, And I shall safely pass the storms of time,

Yet principles eternal and sublime, And gain at last a high and holy station,

When once imprinted cannot be erased. Among the ransomed in the new creation.

These principles have now become to me

Part of myself-A portion of my mind, Farewell, Nauvoo! I must again return

And I must lose my own identity Back to my gentile bondage as before,

Before such principles can be resigned. But oftentimes my heart will sadly yearn

When once received, in spite of all resistance, To hold communion with the saints once more

They form the essence of the soul's existence. How I shall long the prophet's voice to hear-

The words of wisdom flowing from his tongue

Fair city of the saints! I love thee well; Truths most sublime are made so plain and clear

To me thy memory will be ever dear. That oftentimes enchanted I have hung

I would to God I could forever dwell Upon his words, which forced the exclamation-

Amidst thy pleasant scenes where I could hear These surely are the words of inspiration!

The words of inspiration every day, L........S.........

And hourly treasure up within my heart