The Ship's Return. Unskill'd in Caution's rigid lore, He scorn'd Suspicion's gloomy sway; Deceived, he trusted as before, And dreams illumed each passing day. And still in Albion's happy isle His little fairy home was placed; Domestic love, affection's smile, Were all the joys he sigh'd to taste. How bless'd to strive with toil no more; To soothe the ills that others bore, And none had ever soothed his own! How fair the scene by Fancy cast, Rich with Affection's balmy breath! Ah dream! the loveliest, as the last, That gilded the dark hour of death! Even on his wandering soul it smiled, A transient gleam of joy beguiled His pangs-one moment he was bless'd. He saw the partner of his days, Hail'd each loved friend with ancient claim, And then he would a blessing breathe, K 145 But then he saw the phantoms fade, As a lizard with the shade Of a trembling leaf, Thou with sorrow art dismay'd; Even the sighs of grief Reproach thee that thou art not near; And reproach thou wilt not hear. Song. Let me set my mournful ditty To a merry measure; Thou wilt never come for pity; Thou wilt come for pleasure: Pity then will cut away Those cruel wings, and thou wilt stay. I love all that thou lovest, Spirit of delight! The fresh earth in new leaves dress'd, Autumn evening, and the morn, I love snow, and all the forms I love waves, and winds, and storms-- Which is Nature's, and may be Untainted by man's misery. I love tranquil solitude, And such society As is quiet, wise, and good; Between thee and me, What difference? but thou dost possess The things I seek-not love them less. I love Love, though he has wings, And like light can flee; But above all other things, Spirit, I love thee— Thou art love and life ;-O come, Make once more my heart thy home! 147 |