“In the Eye Abides the Heart” was submitted for copyright deposit on October 10, 1851, by Firth, Pond & Co. The original author of the lyrics is Franz von Kobell, whose words were translated into English by Foster. The melody is by Franz Abt and arrangement by Henry Kleber.

In The Chronicles of Stephen Foster’s Family Evelyn Foster Morneweck writes, “In 1851, after the publication of ‘Oh! Boys, Carry Me ’Long,’ Stephen produced ‘My Hopes Have Departed Forever,’ ‘Laura Lee,’ ‘Old Folks at Home,’ a translation of Franz Abt’s ‘In the Eye Abides the Heart’ with the melody arranged by Henry Kleber, ‘Eulalie,’ ‘Farewell, My Lilly Dear,’ and ‘Willie, My Brave’ which was dedicated to Mrs. A. L. Robinson.”