Farewell, farewell the Heart that lives alone, Housed in a dream, at distance from the Kind! Such happiness, wherever it be known, Is to be pitied; for 'tis surely blind. But welcome fortitude, and patient cheer, IX. TO THE DAISY. SWEET Flower! belike one day to have Ah! hopeful, hopeful was the day To govern and to guide: His wish was gained: a little time Would bring him back in manhood's prime, And free for life, these hills to climb, With all his wants supplied. And full of hope day followed day While that stout Ship at anchor lay The May had then made all things green; And, floating there in pomp serene, That Ship was goodly to be seen, Yet then, when called ashore, he sought To your abodes, bright daisy Flowers! He then would steal at leisure hours, And loved you glittering in your bowers, A starry multitude. But hark the word!-the Ship is gone ;- Once more on English earth they stand: They parted, sorrow was at hand For Him and for his Crew. Ill fated Vessel!-ghastly shock! -At length delivered from the rock And through the stormy night they steer, Silence! the brave Commander cried; -A few appear by morning light, But one dear remnant of the night For him in vain I seek. Six weeks beneath the moving sea Unforced by wind or wave To quit the Ship for which he died, (All claims of duty satisfied;) And there they found him at her side; And bore him to the grave. Vain service! yet not vainly done That he, who had been cast For such a gentle Soul and sweet, Should find an undisturbed retreat To Him a resting-place should yield, The birds shall sing and ocean make A mournful murmur for his sake; And Thou, sweet Flower, shalt sleep and wake Upon his senseless grave! |