O'er the wild reach of wave afar
Thy cliffs arise; once more
I turn mine eyes upon thy hills
And purple-tinted shore.
All silent in majestic state,
Monarch of mighty realm,
Thy front is raised to meet the storm,
When fierce gales overwhelm.
Yet on this lovely autumn day,
In soft enchantment's chain,
Outlined fore'er on distant sky
Thy memory shall remain.
My feet must tread in other paths
Than this beloved land,
And other footprints in their turn
Shall press this shining sand.
Sea, air and sky are filled alike
With beauty and delight;
The sea is shimmering at my feet
With all of life and light.
So let me bear to other scenes
This picture; it shall stay
As memory and as joy to me
Through many a weary day.
And oft shall rise before my sight
When distance, time and care
Have touched my life with graver thought,
This vision passing fair!