Classic Poem

I.

The stormy ocean roving,
My William seeks the foe;
Ah me! the pain of loving,
To war when lovers go!

II.

O! why my locks so yellow,
Should rosy garlands bind,
When trembles yonder willow,
As blows the sullen wind?

III.

Ye nymphs, who feel no anguish,
My garlands gay ye wove,
But I in absence languish,
And fear for him I love.

IV.

Nor yet the sprays of willow
Shall wave my temples o'er,
But weeds, that ocean's billow
Leaves dark upon the shore.

V.

Pale willows suit the sorrow
The fair forsaken knows;
Fierce War has wing'd the arrow
That wounds my soul's repose.

VI.

Sad on the beach I linger,
And watch the altering sea;
But no cold doubts shall injure,
My love is true to me!

VII.

Yet, till rest crown my pillow,
Till peace my love restore,
Be mine the weeds yon billow
Leaves dark upon the shore!