Where Lies The Land To Which Yon Ship Must Go?

Composed 1806.--Published 1807

Classed among the "Miscellaneous Sonnets."--ED.

Where lies the Land to which yon Ship must go? Fresh as a lark mounting at break of day, Festively she puts forth in trim array; Is she for tropic suns, or polar snow? What boots the inquiry?--Neither friend nor foe She cares for; let her travel where she may, She finds familiar names, a beaten way Ever before her, and a wind to blow. Yet still I ask, what haven is her mark? And, almost as it was when ships were rare, (From time to time, like Pilgrims, here and there Crossing the waters) doubt, and something dark, Of the old Sea some reverential fear, Is with me at thy farewell, joyous Bark!

VARIANTS:

1837.

Festively she puts forth in trim array; As vigorous as a Lark at break of day: 1807.