National Lyrics, and Songs for Music/The Meeting of the Ships

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THE MEETING OF THE SHIPS.




Two barks met on the deep mid-sea,
    When calms had stilled the tide;
A few bright days of summer glee
    There found them side by side.

And voices of the fair and brave
    Rose mingling thence in mirth;
And sweetly floated o'er the wave
    The melodies of earth.

Moonlight on that lone Indian main
    Cloudless and lovely slept;—
While dancing step, and festive strain
    Each deck in triumph swept.


And hands were linked, and answering eyes
    With kindly meaning shone;
—Oh! brief and passing sympathies,
    Like leaves together blown!

A little while such joy was cast
    Over the deep's repose,
Till the loud singing winds at last
    Like trumpet music rose.

And proudly, freely on their way
    The parting vessels bore;
—In calm or storm, by rock or bay,
    To meet—Oh! never more!

Never to blend in victory's cheer,
    To aid in hours of woe:—
And thus bright spirits mingle here,
    Such ties are formed below!