Sea-Song

Over the far blue ocean-wave,
On the wild winds I flee,
Yet every thought of my constant heart
Is winging, love, to thee;
For each foaming leap of our gallant ship
Had barb'd a pang for me,
Had not thy form, through sun and storm,
Been my only memory.
(), the sea-mew's wings are fleet and fast,
As he dips in the dancing spray;
But fleeter and faster the thoughts, I ween,
Of dear ones far away!
And lovelier, too, than yon rainbow's hue,
As it lights the tinted sea,
Are the daylight dreams and sunny gleams
Of the heart that throbs for thee.
And when moon and stars are asleep on the waves,
Their dancing tops among,
And the sailor is guiling the long watch-hour
By the music of his song;
When our sail is white in the dark midnight,
And its shadow is on the sea,
O, never knew hall such festival
As my fond heart holds with thee!