Classic Poem

Yet e'er thy feet forsake the pleasant banks
Of winding Mersey; and the studious haunts
The Muses love; accept this parting verse.
Farewel, farewel! thy steps may honour guide[,]
Health and fair fortunes follow: On thy tongue
May strong perswasion hang, and words that cleave
The inmost heart, that the sick soul may take
Life from thy lips; and if within thy breast
There yet remains a dearer, tenderer wish
That wish may heaven succeed!
Thus when compleat
The tall built vessel stands; courting the winds.
The pleas'd spectators, on the crowded beach
Hail her with chearful shouts; and wish smooth seas
And gentle tides; thus follow with their eyes
Anxious, to see her ride th' unsteady wave
And the white foam dash round her painted sides;
Thus wave the last adieu, when mix't with air
Her lessening sails elude the straining eye[,]
Then trust to heaven, and to propitious stars
To guide her wandering course