Miriam: Star of the Sea

I am the Sea, that, treacherous, swells for ever,
And ebbs and flows with one unceasing stream !
Thou art the Star, whose radiance faileth never,
Calm o'er the billows waves its faithful beam !

I am the Sea ! whose restless surges tremble,
Moved to and fro by every sigh of night ;
Thou art the Star ! thy shining eyes resemble
The orb that 'mid the storms is hushed and bright !

My Morning Star ! the shades of sorrow banish ;
Kindle me hope and bravery in my soul ;
Let care's dark shadows from my spirit vanish,
As mountain-clouds before the Orient roll !

My Star of Eve ! let thy sweet presence often
Shed on this heart of mine its soothing ray !
Yea, in the War of Death thy light shall soften
The last stern foeman, and his battle-day !

Fear's idle dream, and Hope's all-shadowy pleasure —
Sorrow and joy, that vain and idle be —
The deep hath swallowed up the golden treasure :
Soothe thou the tempest, and subdue the sea !

Wave after wave rolls on in ceaseless billow ;
Age cannot tame th' unconquerable tide !
Yon visible surge is but the stately pillow
Where the wild storms of ancient waters died !

Thou Star of Peace ! glory and gladness blending,
Here as we lowly kneel, look love on high ;
Hail, blessed orb ! alive with light, descending,
A lamp to lead us to our native sky !