Poems and Essays

by Joseph Howe

 

THE TRAVELLERS.

 
As gallant Barks, on Ocean’s tide
    When summer breezes blow,
Oft meet and journey side by side,
    Communing as they go; [Page 148]

But soon, by varying wind and wave,
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    Are parted on the Main,
The stormy seas alone to brave,
    And never meet again.

So we, by happy fortune thrown
    On Pleasure’s crowded ways,
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While brilliant scenes around us shone,
    Have spent some joyous days.

But soon to different havens bound
    A separate course we steer,
And where shall meet, in life’s dull round,
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    The circle gather’d here?

We may not meet, but yet those hours
    So blest to each and all,
So strew’d with variegated flowers,
    The spirit may recall.
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On distant shores, when memory warms
    Till life’s unsunn’d decline,
We’ll round us bring the friendly forms,
    That parted on the Rhine. [Page 149]