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43
LINES,
WRITTEN ON BOARD THE SHIP "ESSEX," OFF CAPE HORN, DECEMBER 19, 1860.
When from the shore the waving, hand
Gives mute but eloquent good-bye,
What heart so cold as then withstand
To yield the tribute of a sigh?
Who quits even Yarra's winding shore,
Where social charms yet scant'ly spring.
May call his fancy's view before
Some joy to which his soul would cling.
Some friend in trying hour made dear,
Some form towards which affection bends.
Some mate by kindred drawn more near.
To the farewell deep sadness lends.
And ah! to think mayhap we part
To meet no more on earthly scene!
For rudest dangers frequent start
Australia's shores and Thames between.
