Georgie Sails To-Morrow!

For sixteen years, a merry, laughing maiden, I have warbl'd only songs of joy; And in this heart, so very lightly laden, Happy thoughts have ever found employ. But times will change! and now there comes a sorrow, Which bids me ev'ry joy resign: My Georgie sails for China seas tomorrow, And he knows not yet that he is mine-- My Georgie sails for China seas tomorrow, And he knows not yet that he is mine-- How should he know? 'twas from a dream awaking, When they told me he and I must part; For not until the tie was nearly breaking, Had I felt its tendrils on my heart. These lips are seal'd--I cannot tell my sorrow, And hope must die without a sign: Oh, who can tell the fearful scenes of danger, And the hardships Georgie dear must know! On stormy seas, in foreign lands a stranger, Oh, I cannot, cannot let him go! My heart will break! where shall I patience borrow, For months thro' which I can but pine? The last farewell--that solemn word is spoken, And my spirit trembles with its thrill; His manly tones, by deep emotion broken, In my inmost soul are ringing still. But strange, wild joy is mingled with my sorrow, And smiles among my tear-drops shine: My Georgie sails for China seas to-morrow, But he knows--he knows that he is mine. My Georgie sails for China seas to-morrow, But he knows--he knows that he is mine.