The Ladies Lamentation for the Departure of Ibrahim

All silent awhile be each breeze, Stop, Thames, as thou rollest along, Attend, and convey to the seas The heart-piercing notes of our song.

Alas, must the youth so soon go! Oh, Ibrahim, must thou depart? Oh stay, and some pity bestow, And break not with sorrow each heart.

So smiling and gay was his face, His neck so majestic and strong, The maidens all crouded to gaze Wherever he passed along.

His voice, that as music was sweet, No more we enraptur'd shall hear, No more the dear youth shall repeat A tale of soft love in each ear.

No longer with us shall he walk, No more shall he press the soft hand, Nor in praise of our charms e'er shall talk, Such praise as no maid could withstand.

No more at dear whist, or quadrille, Shall we chase the dull evening away, No more shall each interval fill With chit-chat, and innocent play.

Ye zephyrs, oh bear all our sighs, To blow him a prosperous gale, If (deaf to our tears and our cries) The youth is resolv'd to set fail.

But if he with anguish does go, Oblig'd by parental command, Adverse may the gale always blow, And bear him again to our land.

If (spite of the prayers of the fair) Winds bear him to Tripoli's shore, Our hearts shall his presence declare, When the eye shall behold him no more.