Classic Poem

This Isle has grown more dear to me
Than many a scene, profusely drest
In nature's richest charms could be;
Because, upon its granite breast,
There blooms one flower, so fair, so sweet,
That wheresoe'er my steps may rove,
Its like again I cannot meet —
That peerless flower is thee, my love!

My home is on the dark profound,
Where storms howl o'er the midnight wave;
And soon, perchance, their voice may sound
A dirge above the sailor's grave:
Yet not the fear of peril now,
Could move one sigh, one tear impel;
It is not danger pales my brow,
Belov'd, 'tis bidding thee farewell!

When morning beams, away we hie
To other climes and scenes afar,
But still thy form, to memory's eye,
Will ever be my guiding star:
My heart is fondly bound to thine
By ties of love, no time can sever;
Absence the bands may closer twine,
But cannot part them — never! never!

I'll think of thee at vesper hour,
When balmy zephyrs fill the sail;
I'll think of thee when tempests lower,
And Death careers upon the gale:
And still my prayer where'er I wend,
Whatever doom may frown on me,
Shall from my inmost soul ascend
For thee, my love, still, still for thee!

Farewell! farewell! words cannot speak
My grief, to part from one so dear;
'Tis written on this pallid cheek,
'Tis glowing in this burning tear:
Farewell! may heaven profusely shower,
On thee whate'er can life improve;
Around thee bloom full many a flower
Thornless and sweet! — farewell, my love!