Imatges de pàgina
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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 live for social cares alone;

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,
When flitting shades around him press'd;

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, with a tender lingering gaze,
Responded to the father's name,

And then he would a blessing breathe,
A pledge of Christian faith impart,
And with a dower of love bequeath
The latest counsels of his heart.

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But then he saw the phantoms fade,
He gazed on strangers rude and cold,
His last fond look was hope betray'd,
His parting sigh a wish untold.

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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,
And the starry night;

Autumn evening, and the morn,
When the golden mists are born.

I love snow, and all the forms
Of the radiant frost ;

I love waves, and winds, and storms--
Every thing almost

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!

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