A Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert Herrick

99. HIS SAILING FROM JULIA

     When that day comes, whose evening says I'm gone
     Unto that watery desolation;
     Devoutly to thy Closet-gods then pray,
     That my wing'd ship may meet no Remora.
     Those deities which circum-walk the seas,
     And look upon our dreadful passages,
     Will from all dangers re-deliver me,
     For one drink-offering poured out by thee,
     Mercy and Truth live with thee!  and forbear,
     In my short absence, to unsluice a tear;
     But yet for love's-sake, let thy lips do this,—
     Give my dead picture one engendering kiss;
     Work that to life, and let me ever dwell
     In thy remembrance, Julia.  So farewell.