One day! Ah, me! 'tis years ago since first I saw her sail,
And sent my prayers and tears for her above the gathering gale!
Will she come back, my noble ship, and captain brave and crew
Of joys and hopes and high resolves, of love both deep and true?
Or, solemn thought! shall she ne'er find the haven here below,
But anchor in the "silent land," beyond Life's ebb and flow,
Beyond vain fret and fond regard, and strivings e'er to see
The reason why so oft denied our dearest hopes should be!