Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

218 . Song—Talk of him that’s Far Awa

MUSING on the roaring ocean,

Which divides my love and me;

Wearying heav’n in warm devotion,

For his weal where’er he be.

Hope and Fear’s alternate billow

Yielding late to Nature’s law,

Whispering spirits round my pillow,

Talk of him that’s far awa.

Ye whom sorrow never wounded,

Ye who never shed a tear,

Care-untroubled, joy-surrounded,

Gaudy day to you is dear.

Gentle night, do thou befriend me,

Downy sleep, the curtain draw;

Spirits kind, again attend me,

Talk of him that’s far awa!