Page:Poems Rice.djvu/204

ON THE DEPARTURE OF THE CUBA.

TAKE them, fair ship, these friends of mine,
 Into thine arms and safely keep;
With sad reluctance we resign,
 Aye, with feelings true and deep;
With prayers unuttered in the heart
We'll render up as ye depart.

Hope, Faith, and Love, these three combine,
 Inwrought in glowing pictures strong;
How bold the tints, how rich and fine,
 As mystic scenes around us throng.
A light from heaven on such will flow,
Radiance shed as on ye go.

Take them, father, mother, son, and bride;
 Quell every fear which may arise;
Know ye how much we now confide,
 How much in love without disguise?
May every change a charm impart,
New health, new vigor, to each heart.

Take them, and may the winds and waves
 Be ever lulled to peace and rest;