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"Cling to the shrowds!" In vain! The breakers roar—
Death shrieks! With two alone of all his clan,
Forlorn the poet paced the Grecian shore,
No classic roamer, but a ship-wreck'd man!
Say then, what muse inspir'd these genial strains,
And lit his spirit to so bright a flame?
The elevating thought of suffer'd pains,
Which gentle hearts shall mourn; but chief, the name
Of Gratitude! Remembrances of Friend,
Or absent or no more! Shades of the Past,
Which Love makes Substance! Hence to thee I send,
O dear as long as life and memory last!
I send with deep regards of heart and head,
Sweet maid, for friendship form'd! this work to thee:
And thou, the while thou can'st not choose but shed
A tear for Falkner, wilt remember me!
