1. "ADIEU, adieu! my native shore Fades o'er the waters blue; The Night-winds sigh, the breakers roar, And shrieks the wild seamew. Yon Sun that sets upon the sea We follow in his flight; Farewell awhile to him and thee, My native Land-Good Night. 2. "A few short hours and He will rise To give the Morrow birth; And I shall hail the main and skies, Deserted is my own good hall, Its hearth is desolate; Wild weeds are gathering on the wall My dog howls at the gate. 3. "Come hither, hither, my little page! Or dost thou dread the billows' rage, But dash the tear-drop from thine eye; Our fleetest falcon scarce can fly More merrily along." 4. "Let winds be shrill, let waves roll high, I fear not wave nor wind; Yet marvel not, Sir Childe, that I Am sorrowful in mind; For I have from my father gone, A mother whom I love, And have no friend, save these alone, But thee-and one above. 5. My father bless'd me fervently, Mine own would not be dry. 6. "Come hither, hither, my staunch yeoman, Why dost thou look so pale? Or dost thou dread a French foeman? Or shiver at the gale?"— "Deem'st thou I tremble for my life? Sir Childe, I'm not so weak; But thinking on an absent wife Will blanch a faithful cheek. 7. "My spouse and boys dwell near thy hall, Along the bordering lake, And when they on their father call, Enough, enough, my yeoman good, But I, who am of lighter mood, Will laugh to flee away. 8. "For who would trust the seeming sighs Of wife or paramour? Fresh feres will dry the bright blue eyes We late saw streaming o'er. For pleasures past I do not grieve, Nor perils gathering near; My greatest grief is that I leave No thing that claims a tear. .9. "And now I'm in the world alone, But why should I for others groan, But long ere I come back again, He'd tear me where he stands. 10. "With thee, my bark, I'll swiftly go Athwart the foaming brine; Nor care what land thou bear'st me to, So not again to mine. Welcome, welcome, ye dark-blue waves! And when you fail my sight, Welcome, ye deserts, and ye caves! My native Land-Good Night!" |