Songs of Travel by Robert Louis Stevenson
page 26 of 50 (52%)
page 26 of 50 (52%)
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The Fairy Princess Moe stood.
Tantira, Tahiti, Nov. 5, 1888. XXIX - TO KALAKAUA (With a present of a Pearl) THE Silver Ship, my King - that was her name In the bright islands whence your fathers came - The Silver Ship, at rest from winds and tides, Below your palace in your harbour rides: And the seafarers, sitting safe on shore, Like eager merchants count their treasures o'er. One gift they find, one strange and lovely thing, Now doubly precious since it pleased a king. The right, my liege, is ancient as the lyre For bards to give to kings what kings admire. 'Tis mine to offer for Apollo's sake; And since the gift is fitting, yours to take. To golden hands the golden pearl I bring: The ocean jewel to the island king. Honolulu, Feb. 3, 1889. XXX - TO PRINCESS KAIULANI |
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