Poems (Rice)/On the Departure of the Cusa
ON THE DEPARTURE OF THE CUBA.
TAKE them, fair ship, these friends of mine, Into thine arms and safely keep; With sad reluctance we resign, Aye, with feelings true and deep; With prayers unuttered in the heart We'll render up as ye depart.
Hope, Faith, and Love, these three combine, Inwrought in glowing pictures strong; How bold the tints, how rich and fine, As mystic scenes around us throng. A light from heaven on such will flow, Radiance shed as on ye go.
Take them, father, mother, son, and bride; Quell every fear which may arise; Know ye how much we now confide, How much in love without disguise? May every change a charm impart, New health, new vigor, to each heart.
Take them, and may the winds and waves Be ever lulled to peace and rest; The ocean calm, as on ye glide With these, our treasures, on its breast: We crave the boon of strength, of power, Half to express this parting hour.
Another charge, O, good ship,—I Would pardon ask for this delay—Her boy to bless, embrace; good-by, Fair Emma; on thy deck, to-day, A gem more prized ye cannot hold; Our hearts must keep the rest untold.
That Neptune and the Naiads keep A never-slumbering watch, I ask; That loved ones, while with thee, may reap The pleasures, we in sunshine bask; May Heaven protect, all ills dispel; Time speeds, and now a last farewell.