The Poetry Corner

His Sailing From Julia

By Robert Herrick

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.