William Leggett (1801-1839). A Song at Sea. Samuel Kettell, ed. 1829. Specimens of American Poetry

Samuel Kettell, ed. Specimens of American Poetry. 1829.

A Song at Sea

By William Leggett (1801–1839)


OUR sails are spread before the wind,
And onward, onward swift we fly;
We ’ve left our country far behind,
No prospect now invites the eye,
Save the blue sea, and cloudless sky.	5

Oh! when I waved my last good-bye,
To parents, friends, and Mary dear,
It was not fear that dimm’d mine eye,
This heart ne’er felt a thrill of fear—
It was affection caused the tear.	10

And while upon the heaving main
Our vessel dashes proudly on,
To meet those well-loved friends again,
With wealth and honors bravely won,
That is the hope I live upon.	15

But should some cannon pointed true,
Destroy these soothing dreams of glory,
Affection’s tears my grave will dew,
And Mary, when she hears my story,
Will shed love’s holiest tribute o’er me.	20