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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CENTER OF GRAVITY by DAVID IGNATOW PRAYER FOR COURAGE by LOUIS UNTERMEYER GREEK SONG: 1. THE STORM OF DELPHI by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS PAST AND PRESENT by THOMAS HOOD THE CROWING OF THE RED COCK by EMMA LAZARUS |