For your sweet sake : poems / by James E. McGirt [electronic text]

A SAILOR'S DEPARTURE.

My dearest child, I have no wealth to give you, No ring of gold to you can I impart; Going, yet why should going grieve you? You have my heart.

In calm, in storm, no matter how the weather, My one great thought shall ever be of thee; Tell me, I pray thee, tell me whetherYou'll think of me?

Without your love I wish my burden lighter; With head bowed low I plod life's weary way, But with your love each day is brighter,To toil is play.

The ship has come, I must no longer tarry;The lamp of love for you will ever burn;Farewell, pray let your soul be merry,Soon I'll return.

When I return, what e'er may be my treasure— That happy day I pray God that we meet— My life, my all, I'll cast with pleasure Down at your feet.

He said "Good-bye"—the tears were swiftly falling— The ship moved off, she left alone to dwell; The signal as they sounded pealing Their last farewell.