03.05.2012, 20:37
To The Sea
ON MY SISTER'S DEPARTURE FROM THE OLD COUNTRY
BE kind, O gusty Sea, to her who dares
To yield herself to thy inconstant surge:
Love's sweet ambassadress, alone she fares
On his high mission to thy farthest verge;
Be kind, O gusty Sea, for she is young,
Look thou with favour on her innocence,
Let not for her thy loud storm-hymn be sung,
Nor be to her a fear but a defence;
But if, O Sea, nor innocence nor youth
Can win thee from thy turbulence awhile,
Nor for a season turn thy heart to ruth,
Nor from thee charm an undeceitful smile,
May sacred love o'er-awe thy wild caprice
And cow thy churlish billows into peace.
ON MY SISTER'S DEPARTURE FROM THE OLD COUNTRY
BE kind, O gusty Sea, to her who dares
To yield herself to thy inconstant surge:
Love's sweet ambassadress, alone she fares
On his high mission to thy farthest verge;
Be kind, O gusty Sea, for she is young,
Look thou with favour on her innocence,
Let not for her thy loud storm-hymn be sung,
Nor be to her a fear but a defence;
But if, O Sea, nor innocence nor youth
Can win thee from thy turbulence awhile,
Nor for a season turn thy heart to ruth,
Nor from thee charm an undeceitful smile,
May sacred love o'er-awe thy wild caprice
And cow thy churlish billows into peace.