MEMORY.
Reading edition
Borne on the Ocean's heaving breast, Mark yon stately vessel sail; How in floating canvass drest, Courts she every wanton gale! Soft the prosp'rous breezes blow; Fast she makes a wish'd-for shore; Glitt'ring bright in splendid show, Rich with India's golden ore. Gently foams the recreant tide, 'Neath the golden-gilded prow; Pleased the joyous waves divide Still behind no track they show. Yet at some far-distant day Memory will the scene retrace; Mark the wanton breezes play, Hail the vessel's easy grace. Buoyant thus on life's broad stream, Man in all his beauty moves; Blest with sweet contentment's beam, Blest with all his bosom loves. Swift each passing year rolls on; Still contentment glads his mind; Soon each passing year is gone— Gone, nor leaves a track behind. Then alike fond memory's powers Pleasures long since past, review; Lead him back to youth's bright hours, And each blissful scene renew.