Till, spent his strength, and dim his eye,
His oar and skiff float idly by.
Far distant lies the home he left,
And side by side an aged pair,
Unconscious of their hopes bereft,
Breathe now his cherish'd name in pray'r;
Their eyes with watchfulness grow dim:
Oh! vainly will they wait for him!
A fair young maid, with pensive face,
Looks forth upon the silent night,