Six Love Songs (1830-1840)/See the ship
SONGS.
See the Ship.
See the ship in the bay is riding,
Dearest Ellen, I go from thee;
Boldly go, in thy love confiding,
O'er the deep and the trackless sea.
When thy loved form no more is near me,
When thy sweet smile no longer I see,
This soothing thought shall at midnight cheer me,
My love is breathing a prayer for me.
Nor can Heaven, a deaf ear lending
To its loveliest work below,
The boon she begs, on her knees low bending,
Refuse in goodness to bestow.
So then, my Ellen, all doubts defying,
Henry shall dauntless cross the wide sea,
His heart on this firm anchor relying,
My love is breathing a prayer for me.
When the thunder of war is roaring,
And the bullets around me fly;
When the rage of the tempests pouring,
Blends the billowy sea and sky;
Then shall my heart, to fear a stranger,
Cherish its fondest hopes for thee,
This dear reflection disarming danger,
My love is breathing a prayer for me.
And when the din of war is over.
And sweet peace sets the sailor free,
With what joy shall your faithful lover
Fly on love sweetest wings to thee!
Then with delight each other caressing,
Day after day we shall happier be,
And as my Ellen tells o’er each blessing,
She still will whisper a prayer for me.