An oyster, upon oozy bed,
Like his forefathers, born and bred,
It chanced, was wafted far and wide
...
I tarried on the strains to hang
Outfloating from yon ancient trees;
Strains from two airy harps, that rang
Responsive to the minstrel breeze.
...
They choose not ill their lot who choose
All quietly to live and die,
By Science sheltered or the Muse,
In unpretending privacy.
...
Like as one, erewhile pursuing,
Shouts him o'er his captured foe,
'Spite of all thy fleetest doing,
Now, thou Slave! behind me go.'
...
I knew her, when my youthful time
Beyond the verge of manhood stood;
And she was in her glorious prime
Of freshly ripened womanhood.
...
Ritchie! to whom it shall be given to view
And trace (none worthier) that strange river's swell,
...
The chords thy ready fingers used to move
At fond request of dear domestic love,
Now grief, alas! hath tried that heart too much,
...
Sweet friend, farewell! to whom propitious birth
Gave beauty—sense—the prosperous goods of earth;
To whom not less were faith and duty given,
...
I've found a port. Hope—Fortune—Farewell ye!
Cheat others now. Enough ye've cheated me.
...