Our friends to Melbourne just had gone away. We followed shortly where they led before, To Melbourne went, and flourished more and more. My aunt and uncle both are buried there; I closed their eyes, and I was left their heir. They meant me well, I loved them for their care. ‘Ten years ago I married Robert; dear And well he loved, and waited many a year. Selfish it seemed to turn from one so true, And I of course was desperate of you. I’ve borne him children six; we’ve left behind Three little ones, whom soon I hope to find. To my dear boy he ever has been kind. ‘Next week we sail, and I should be so glad, Only to leave my boy will make me sad. But yours he is by right—the grief I’ll bear, And at his age, more easy he can spare, Perhaps, a mother’s than a father’s care. Indeed I think him like his father, too; He will be happier, probably, with you. ’Tis best, I know, nor will he quite forget, Some day he’ll come perhaps and see his mother yet. ‘O heaven! farewell—perhaps I’ve been to blame To write as if it all were still the same. Farewell, write not.—I will not seek to know Whether you ever think of me or no.’ O love, love, love, too late! the tears fell down. He dried them up—and slowly walked to town. * * * * * To bed with busy thoughts; the following day Bore us expectant into Boston Bay; With dome and steeple on the yellow skies, Upon the left we watched with curious eyes The Puritan great Mother City rise. Among the islets, winding in and round, The great ship moved to her appointed ground. We bade adieu, shook hands and went ashore: I and my friend have seen our friends no more. SONGS IN ABSENCE. _SONGS IN ABSENCE._[17] Farewell, farewell! Her vans the vessel tries, His iron might the potent engine plies; Haste, wingèd words, and ere ’tis useless, tell, Farewell, farewell, yet once again, farewell. The docks, the streets, the houses past us fly, Without a strain the great ship marches by; Ye fleeting banks take up the words we tell, And say for us yet once again, farewell. The waters widen—on without a strain The strong ship moves upon the open main; She knows the seas, she hears the true waves swell, She seems to say farewell, again farewell. The billows whiten and the deep seas heave; Fly once again, sweet words, to her I leave, With winds that blow return, and seas that swell, Farewell, farewell, say once again, farewell. Fresh in my face and rippling to my feet The winds and waves an answer soft repeat, In sweet, sweet words far brought they seem to tell, Farewell, farewell, yet once again, farewell. Night gathers fast; adieu, thou fading shore! The land we look for next must lie before; Hence, foolish tears! weak thoughts, no more rebel, Farewell, farewell, a last, a last farewell.