Page:Poems of home and country (IA poemsofhomecount01smit).pdf/52

 We launched our bark in sunny youth,—

The date seems far away;

But years have shortened into months,

Months into fleeting days.

Once, like new ships, that ride in port,

With canvas all unfurled,

Successful voyagers, our keel

Has sailed half round the world.

By day God's loving cloud has moved,

A shelter o'er our head;

And still by night our winding course

The pillared fire has led.

Sail on, fair craft, so bravely kept

Unharmed by wind or wave;

The hand so skilful to direct,

Is mighty, too, to save.

Sail on, sail on, till golden light

Shines o'er the distant sea,

And guides the vessel to its port,

Blest immortality.