human
Oh tell me, sailor, tell me true, Is my little lad, my Elihu, A-sailing with your ship? The sailor's eyes were dim with dew,--
gpt
Your little lad, your Elihu? He said with trembling lip,--
human
What little lad? what ship?
gpt
What little lad! as if there could be Another such a one as he! What little lad, do you say? Why, Elihu, that took to the sea The moment I put him off my knee! It was just the other day The _Gray Swan_ sailed away.
human
The other day? the sailor's eyes Stood open with a great surprise,--
gpt
The other day? the _Swan?_ His heart began in his throat to rise.
human
Ay, ay, sir, here in the cupboard lies The jacket he had on.
gpt
And so your lad is gone?
human
Gone with the _Swan_.
gpt
And did she stand With her anchor clutching hold of the sand, For a month, and never stir?
human
Why, to be sure! I've seen from the land, Like a lover kissing his lady's hand, The wild sea kissing her,-- A sight to remember, sir.
gpt
But, my good mother, do you know All this was twenty years ago? I stood on the _Gray Swan's_ deck, And to that lad I saw you throw, Taking it off, as it might be, so, The kerchief from your neck.
human
Ay, and he'll bring it back!
gpt
And did the little lawless lad That has made you sick and made you sad, Sail with the _Gray Swan's_ crew?
human
Lawless! the man is going mad! The best boy ever mother had,-- Be sure he sailed with the crew! What would you have him do?
gpt
And he has never written line, Nor sent you word, nor made you sign To say he was alive?
human
Hold! if 'twas wrong, the wrong is mine; Besides, he may be in the brine, And could he write from the grave? Tut, man, what would you have?
gpt
Gone twenty years,--a long, long cruise, 'Twas wicked thus your love to abuse; But if the lad still live, And come back home, think you you can Forgive him? --
human
Miserable man, You're mad as the sea,--you rave,-- What have I to forgive?
gpt
My God! my Father! is it true My little lad, My Elihu? My blessed boy, my child! My dead,--my living child!
human
Cheer