"Harvest Home: Ode for the Rensselaer County Agricultural Fair" by Mrs. Sigourney (1843)

        The following beautiful Ode to be sung at the Rensselaer County Agricultural Fair, has been kindly furnished by Mrs. Sigourney, a Poetess whose writings are well known, and always well received by the American people.

HARVEST HOME.

ODE FOR THE RENSSELAER CO., AGRICULTURAL FAIR.

—

The Farmer at his harvest home!

        When garden, field and tree,

Conspire with flowing wealth to fill

        His barn and granary,—

While his young, healthful children sport

        Amid the new-mown hay,—

Or proudly aid with vig'rous arm

        His toll as best they may.

Perchance, the hoary grandsire's eye

        The glowing scene surveys,

And breathing blessings on his race

        He guides their heartfelt praise.

The Harvest Giver is their friend,

The Maker of the soil,

And Earth, kind Mother, yields her fruits,

        To cheer their patient toil.

The Farmer at his harvest home!

        A patriot true is he,—

So let the land he loves rejoice

        In his festivity.

Daily Troy Budget. September 16, 1843