Would I Were With Thee!

Would I were with thee! every day and hour
Which now I spend so sadly, far from thee —
Would that my form possessed the magic power
To follow where my heavy heart would be!
Whate’er thy lot — by land or sea —
Would I were with thee — eternally!

Would I were with thee! when, the world forgetting,
Thy weary limbs upon the turf are thrown, —
While bright and red the evening sun is setting,
And all thy thoughts belong to heaven alone:
While happy dreams thy heart employ —
Would I were with thee — in thy joy!

Would I were with thee! when, no longer feigning
The hurried laugh that stiffles back a sigh!
Thy young lip pours unheard its sweet complaining.
And tears have quenched the light within thine eye:
When all seems dark and sad below,
Would I were with thee — in thy woe!

Would I were with thee! when the day is breaking,
And when the moon hath lit the lonely sea —
Or when in crowds some careless note awaking:
Speaks to thy heart in memory of me.
In joy or pain, by sea or shore —
Would I were with thee — evermore!