BY ROSWELL PARK.
Speed, gallant bark! to thy home o'er the wave! The clouds gather dark, and the mad billows rave;— The tempest blows o'er thee, and scatters the spray That lies in thy wake, as thou wingest thy way.
Speed, gallant bark! to the land of the free, The home of the happy, beyond the wide sea! Dear friends and near kindred, the lovely and fair, Are waiting, impatient, to welcome thee there!
Speed, gallant bark! there's a seat at the board, Which the dame and the damsel reserve for their lord; And the fond-hearted maiden is sighing in vain, To welcome her long-absent lover again.
Speed, gallant bark! richer cargo is thine, Than Brazilian gem, or Peruvian mine; And the treasures thou bearest, thy destiny wait; For they, if thou perish, must share in thy fate.
Speed, gallant bark! though the land is afar, And the storm-clouds above thee have veil'd every star; The needle shall guide thee, the helm shall direct, And the God of the tempest thy pathway protect!
Speed, gallant bark! though the lightning may flash; And over thy deck the huge surges may dash;— Thy sails are all reef'd, and thy streamers are high; Unheeded and harmless the billows roll by!
Speed, gallant bark! the tornado is past; Staunch and secure thou hast weather'd the blast; Now spread thy full sails to the wings of the morn, And soon the glad harbour shall greet thy return!