128. The Farewell
28 lines✦
AREWELL, old Scotia’s bleak domains,Far dearer than the torrid plains, Where rich ananas blow!Farewell, a mother’s blessing dear!A borther’s sigh! a sister’s tear! My Jean’s heart-rending throe!Farewell, my Bess! tho’ thou’rt bereft Of my paternal care.A faithful brother I have left, My part in him thou’lt share! Adieu, too, to you too, My Smith, my bosom frien’; When kindly you mind me, O then befriend my Jean! What bursting anguish tears my heart;From thee, my Jeany, must I part! Thou, weeping, answ’rest—“No!”Alas! misfortune stares my face,And points to ruin and disgrace, I for thy sake must go!Thee, Hamilton, and Aiken dear, A grateful, warm adieu:I, with a much-indebted tear, Shall still remember you! All hail then, the gale then, Wafts me from thee, dear shore! It rustles, and whistles I’ll never see thee more!
✦