THE SONG OF MADOC.
Reading edition
———
BY G. FORRESTER BARSTOW.
———
Away! away! the bright blue waves are dashing
With sparkling crests like spotless mountain snow,
As in the fight our mighty falchion’s flashing
Above the foe.
Away! away! old ocean spreads before us
Its broad domain, where sunk the sun’s last ray,
While in the deep blue sky that arches o’er us
Stars shine to light our way.
Away! away! from home’s entrancing pleasures
The festal board, the bower of lady fair,
The roof that holds our hearts’ most valued treasures,
The loved ones there,
We go: and while the burning tear is starting
From eyes that gaze upon a shoreless main,
Fill! fill to those from whom we now are parting,
And ne’er may see again.
Fill to the loved ones whose bright eyes are beaming
As yonder stars in their pure heaven of blue,
Bright as the stars those brilliant eyes are gleaming
With heaven’s own hue.
Fill to the loved ones whose bright cheeks are glowing
As eastern heaven in morning’s virgin ray,
Whose necks, down which their auburn locks are flowing,
Would shame the dashing spray.
Away! away! above the waves careering,
Our ship speeds lightly on an unknown way,
Far to the west our course we now are steering
With spirits gay.
Far to the west, where brilliant gems are shining,
And mighty rivers roll o’er golden sands,
Where sweetest flowers and richest grapes are twining,
Wooing the stranger’s hands.