 | Later Lays and Lyrics |  |
97
A LAMENT—WRITTEN AT SEA.
I.
With an angry sea before us,While dark, gray clouds float o'er us
We're drifting to and fro;
The spicy gales have left us,
A wintry chill bereft us
Of summer's tropic glow.
II.
With head winds bravely battling,Our ship with cordage rattling
Rides on the emerald crest;
The wildest roar of ocean
Can wake no dread emotion
In my despairing breast.
III.
Man, when the worst he knoweth,Although the whirlwind bloweth,
Is self-possessed and calm;
For when the heart is breaking,
Forever, ever aching,
Where is the healing balm?
IV.
I think of one who sleepeth,While many a mourner weepeth,
Untimely lost and drowned;
In dreams, tossed on the billow,
He sits near my rude pillow
With angel beauty crowned.
98
V.
I know his spirit hoveringIs near when night is covering
The waters with her pall;
And for sweet Willie grieving
I start from sleep believing
I hear once more his call.
VI.
Oh! what a wild, deep yearningI feel for the returning
Of my brave, gifted boy;
And yew and cypress throwing
A funeral gloom, are growing
Upon the grave of joy.
VII.
Hark! in mine ear is ringingA voice more sweet than singing:
“I've seen the radiant shore
Where Death can triumph never,
And youth blooms on forever—
Dear Father! mourn no more.”
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