Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889
Song: ‘Who has robbed the ocean cave’
By John Shaw (1778–1809)[Born in Annapolis, Md., 1778. Died on a voyage to the Bahamas, 1809. Poems by the late Dr. John Shaw. 1810.]
W
To tinge thy lips with coral hue?
Who from India’s distant wave
For thee those pearly treasures drew?
Who, from yonder orient sky,
Stole the morning of thine eye?
From sea, and earth, and air are torn;
Roses bloom upon thy cheek,
On thy breath their fragrance borne.
Guard thy bosom from the day,
Lest thy snows should melt away.
Which mute earth can ne’er impart;
Nor in ocean wilt thou find,
Nor in the circling air, a heart.
Fairest! wouldst thou perfect be,
Take, oh take that heart from me.