THE MISSING SHIP

BY MARY A. M IVER.

Ship after ship glides into port, but that one never cornes

Which bore away the angel Peace from many darkened homes.

And yet how patiently bas Hope her tireless vigil kept,

And oh, how often anxious Love in silence vainly weptl

But never blew and ne'er may blow that fair propitious breeze,

By which our loved and lost might once hav& crossed the dang*rous seas.

They bring rich freight, the stately ships which saiî from distant parts,

But one there was with nobler wealth of loving human hearts.

What do we care for gold and gems ? Hâve the remorseless seas

Giaimed ail we held as precious and in mock*ry sent us thèse ?

Cold disappointment to our hearts ils sadd'DÎng lore has taught.

O, Ihat those hearts were wiser for what Ihe slow years hâve brought.

Day follows day, and finds us yet as foolish as before,

Still watching for the missing ship which never cornes to shore.

Ship after ship glides into port, but that one never more

Will to the harbor of our home the long-lost love restore.