To Thomas Moore (My Boat Is on the Shore)
I.
My boat is on the shore,
And my bark is on the sea;
But before I go, Tom Moore,
Here’s a double health to thee!
II.
Here’s a sigh to those who love me,
And a smile to those who hate;
And, whatever sky’s above me,
Here’s a heart for every fate.
III.
Though the ocean roar around me,
Yet it still shall bear me on;
Though a desert should surround me,
It hath springs that may be won.
IV.
Were’t the last drop in the well,
As I gasp’d upon the brink,
Ere my fainting spirit fell
’Tis to thee that I would drink.
V.
With that water, as this wine,
The libation I would pour
Should be– peace with thine and mine,
And a health to thee, Tom Moore.
July 1817.
