The ship had quitted the glittering bay,
And graceful sped on her ocean way.
Stern eyes grew sad, as their native land
Sunk from the view of the convict band.
O’er tree and tower, and fortress wall,
O’er slender spire and steeple tall,
Distance drew her veil of haze;
One, one lingering tear-fraught gaze,
Earnest dwelt on the fading shore,
That fled from those eyes for evermore.