ACROSS a trackless sea,
I saw the vessel glide,
The pale moon's tranquil beam
Was playing on the tide:

But the way she came was dark,
Ere she reach'd the partial gleam,
And dark her way again,
When past the silvery stream.

And is it then so brief,
Thy pleasure's golden day?
While all thy path beside
Is a dark and dreary way?

Not so.,Though dark and drear
May seem thy course to me,
As if it lov'd thy path,
The bright beam follows thee.

And thou art gliding on,
Unmindful of the gloom;
It all is fair to thee,
For thou art going home.

And be my path like thine,
In this world's midnight way,
Where nought but love divine
Can light it into day!

Though seen in shadows oft,
And veil'd with many a tear,
My path will still be bright,
If love and peace be there.

Though doom'd through many a night
Of anxious care to roam,
It all is fair to me,
For I am going home.