Eager I haste a parent’s joy to share,

My bosom bounds with raptures felt before;

But swift the soothing vision sinks in air,

Winds howl around, and restless billows roar.

Even now, whilst prompted by the pleasing past,

In artless numbers flows this pensive lay;

The tottering vessel quivers in the blast,

And angry clouds obscure the cheerful day.

Yet why repine, my anxious breast be still,

No human bliss is free from foul alloy;