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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO THOMAS MOORE (1) by GEORGE GORDON BYRON

Poet Analysis

First Line: MY BOAT IS ON THE SHORE
Last Line: AND A HEALTH TO THEE, TOM MOORE!
Subject(s): FRIENDSHIP; MOORE, THOMAS (1779-1852);

MY boat is on the shore,
And my bark is on the sea;
But before I go, Tom Moore,
Here's a double health to thee!

Here's a sigh to those who love me,
And a smile to those who hate;
And, whatever sky's above me,
Here's a heart for every fate!

Though the ocean roar around me,
Yet it still shall bear me on;
Though a desert should surround me,
It hath springs that may be won.

Were 't the last drop in the well,
As I gasped upon the brink,
Ere my fainting spirit fell,
'T is to thee that I would drink.

With that water, as this wine,
The libation I would pour
Should be, -- Peace with thine and mine,
And a health to thee, Tom Moore!



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