Yet e'er thy feet forsake the pleasant banks Of winding Mersey; and the studious haunts The Muses love; accept this parting verse. Farewel, farewel! thy steps may honour guide, Health and fair fortunes follow: On thy tongue May strong perswasion hang, and words that cleave The inmost heart, that the sick soul may take Life from thy lips; and if within thy breast There yet remains a dearer, tenderer wish That wish may heaven succeed! ---------- ------------------- Thus when compleat The tall built vessel stands; courting the winds. The pleas'd spectators, on the crowded beach Hail her with chearful shouts; and wish smooth seas And gentle tides; thus follow with their eyes Anxious, to see her ride th' unsteady wave And the white foam dash round her painted sides; Thus wave the last adieu, when mix't with air Her lessening sails elude the straining eye, Then trust to heaven, and to propitious stars To guide her wandering course ---------- |