On a glad bright day in life's month of May,
Hope whispered along the lea,
And I launched my ship for a treasure trip
O'er a shining southern sea,
And I wait and I wait, but my ship and its freight
Have never come back to me.
Oh, warm was the wave, and my ship did lave
Its sides in the silvery spray.
And the wind blew fair and sweet perfumes rare
Were waft on the shores of May.
I plucked sweet flowers thru the balmy hours
And basked in the sun's warm ray.
I dreamed on the lea and I dreamed that the sea
Was bringing me home my prize,
And my life was gay and the month was May
And I watched with eager eyes;
But the vision fled. Now my hope lies dead,
As much that is holy lies.
My ship was lost. My treasure tossed
Awhile on the stormy main,
But a pirate sail soon drew'in hail
My precious freight to gain.
Hope's sun sank low... ah well I know
It never can rise again!
That sea is life. 'Tis full of strife,
By sin and grief engrossed.
That ship... my love... a white-winged dove
I cannot count the cost.
My priceless freight... my heart's young mate
The love I won and lost.
