POEMS

COMPOSED OR SUGGESTED DURING A TOUR IN THE SUMMER OF 1833

XIX. BY A RETIRED MARINER, H. H.

          FROM early youth I ploughed the restless Main,
          My mind as restless and as apt to change;
          Through every clime and ocean did I range,
          In hope at length a competence to gain;
          For poor to Sea I went, and poor I still remain.
          Year after year I strove, but strove in vain,
          And hardships manifold did I endure,
          For Fortune on me never deigned to smile;
          Yet I at last a resting-place have found,
          With just enough life's comforts to procure,                10
          In a snug Cove on this our favoured Isle,
          A peaceful spot where Nature's gifts abound;
          Then sure I have no reason to complain,
          Though poor to Sea I went, and poor I still remain.

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