XXIX—TO KALAKAUA (With a present of a Pearl)
Reading edition
The Silver Ship, my King—that was her name In the bright islands whence your fathers came [45]— The Silver Ship, at rest from winds and tides, Below your palace in your harbour rides: And the seafarers, sitting safe on shore, Like eager merchants count their treasures o’er. One gift they find, one strange and lovely thing, Now doubly precious since it pleased a king.
The right, my liege, is ancient as the lyre For bards to give to kings what kings admire. ’Tis mine to offer for Apollo’s sake; And since the gift is fitting, yours to take. To golden hands the golden pearl I bring: The ocean jewel to the island king.
Honolulu, Feb. 3, 1889.