Adieu to France

ADIEU to France ! my latest glance
Falls on thy port and bay, Rochelle ;
The sunrays on the surf-curls dance,
And spring time, like a pleasing spell,
Harmonious holds the land and sea ;
How long, alas, I cannot tell,
Ere this scene will come back to me !

The hours fleet fast and on the mast
Soon shall I hoist the parting sail ;
Soon will the outer bay be passed,
And on the sky-line eyes will fail
To see a streak that means the land.
On then ! before the tides and gale,
Hope at the helm and in God's hand.

What doom I meet, my heart will beat
For France, the debonnaire and gay ;
She ever will in memory's seat
Be present to my mind alway.
Hope whispers my return to you,
Dear land ! But should P'ate say me nay,
And this should be my latest view,
Fair France, loved France, my France, adieu.

Salut a la France ! Salut !