Poem by Christian Milne

When in Dread of My Husband’s Safety at Sea

THIS life still teems with real ills,
To give complaining scope;
Then why should I anticipate,
While there's a ray of hope?
Why comes Despair, with cloudy brow,
To sink a heart oppress'd?
Kind Hope, I'm lost without thine aid,
O! smile, and make me blest!
Say to my sad desponding heart,
Thou hast no cause to mourn;
Say that my valued Husband lives,
And hasten his return!
Deceit and flattery I detest;
If aught confirm my fear,
I'll drive thee out, illusive Hope,
And welcome dark Despair.
If he be gone, no more to meet
My fond expecting eye,
Where shall I hide my wretched head;
To whom for comfort fly?
I'll lend pale Death my hand with joy,
To lead me to my Love;
Who calls me from this wretched state
To share his peace above.
But stay, lov'd Shade! how can we leave
Our Children dear behind?
Will this cold world, that frown'd on us,
To helpless babes be kind?
Yet GOD himself will be their Friend;
(To thee I'll quickly press)
GOD 's promise is ne'er to forsake
The Orphan in distress.
No dashing rock, or yawning wave,
Shall part us any more;
No howling winds, no beating rains,
Assail that happy shore.

1. Written on the Morning of the Communion Sabbath
2. The Sailor’s Adieu
3. To a Very Imprudent Young Woman
4. To a Lady, Who Did Me the Honour to Call at My House
5. Written in Early Spring, 1795

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