by the late J.H.J.
Originally published in Hood's Magazine (Henry Hurst) vol.6 #3 (Sep 1846).
SAILOR. 'Tis sad to part, and leave behind
The one we love the best;
To wander where we cannot find—
Though fortune crown us—rest!
BRIDE. I'll think of thee when thou'rt away:
O yes, I'll think of thee—
My dreams by night, my thoughts by day,
Thine, only thine, shall be.
SAILOR. And while my gallant bark doth steer
Its course upon the brine,
One thought my constant soul shall cheer,
Though absent, thou art mine.
BRIDE. Yet, woe is me—a Sailor's bride,
Condemn'd from him to part,
Whose ways are on the ocean-tide;
Whose image, in my heart.
SAILOR. But when, at last, my home-bound sail
Shall flutter in the bay,
The bliss of meeting shall avail
Our parting to repay.
BRIDE. If, at that hour, a pledge you'll give
No more the seas to roam?
SAILOR. I will—I will—and, then, we'll live
In one dear happy home!