The Meeting of the Ships

Two barks met on the deep mid-sea,
When calms had still’d the tide;
A few bright days of summer glee
There found them side by side.

And voices of the fair and brave
Rose mingling thence in mirth;
And sweetly floated o’er the wave
The melodies of earth.

Moonlight on that lone Indian main
Cloudless and lovely slept;
While dancing step, and festive strain
Each deck in triumph swept.

And hands were link’d, and answering eyes
With kindly meaning shone;
Oh! brief and passing sympathies,
Like leaves together blown!

A little while such joy was cast
Over the deep’s repose,
Till the loud singing winds at last
Like trumpet-music rose.

And proudly, freely on their way
The parting vessels bore;
In calm or storm, by rock or bay,
To meet--oh, never more!

Never to blend in victory’s cheer,
To aid in hours of woe:
And thus bright spirits mingle here,
Such ties are form’d below!