  (Verses written while listening to a melody played on board the “Princess Charlotte,” sailing through the strait of Juan de Fuca) What is nature’s charms and grandeur, When compared to what man is, In his sorrows and his longings, In his triumphs and his bliss! Oh, a soul that hath such feelings, As the one who now doth play, Such a depth of true emotions, Lives in God’s eternal day! Thou unconsciously hast moved me, I’m a captive at thy will, Though in thousand leagues of journey Oft my soul has had its fill Of the beauty of creation, Known its raptures and delight, Yet not once such inspiration Has possessed me as tonight. Play, play on thou sweet musician, While the darkness gathers round, While our ship is speeding onward With a rhythmic, rushing sound, While the stars look down upon us, Mirrored in the tranquil sea, Render thy interpretation Of life’s joy and misery. |
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