Oh, the shine of the laughing ripples,
Dancing over the silver bay!
Oh, the touch of the frolicsome breezes,
Outward-bound on this summer's day!
How they rustle and rush and hasten,
Filling the distant sails so white,
Kissing the cheeks of little Effie
As she gazes, with blue eyes bright,
Far away, where the waters widen,
And fade in a mist so soft and blue.
For what are you wishing, pretty watcher?
That you might sail with the breezes too?
That you might dance with the shining ripples
Over the waters far away?
Ah, little Effie, your eyes may wander,
But moored inshore is your boat to-day.