Richmond Enquirer

THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE VOYAGE
I Song sung o'er the Cradle of a New Born Infant
BY DE BERANGER

Behold, my friends, this little bark essaying
To stem the billows of the lifeless sea,
A young and gentle passenger conveying;
Let us, my friends, its earliest plaudits be?

Already with a soft and easy motion,
Its slender breast into the wave it throws;
Let us, who see it launched upon the ocean,
By gaily singing cheer it as it goes.

The breath of fate into the sails is blowing
And smiling hope the rigging swift prepares,
While, the bright firmament above is glowing,
She promises calm seas and favoring airs.

Ye birds of evil omen, come not near it;
Or this light skiff the lovers are to steer it,
Let us, while from the land they gently bear it,
By gaily singing cheer it as it goes.

Yes, the lovers share a labour so delicious,
Their garlands throwing round with sportive hand;
The graces smile upon the task propitious;
And friendship at the rudder takes her stand.

See Bacchus in the skiff the crew inspiring,
His laughing countenance while pleasure shows;
Let us, who see it from the coast retiring,
By gaily singing cheer it as it goes.

See, grave misfortune, modest virtue blessing,
Comes last our little vessel to salute;
And all the good that she has done confessing,
Begs that this infant may enjoy the fruit.

For this so favored bark the Chorus can never,
So many and such ardent prayers oppose
Let us, who see it quit the shore forever;
By gaily singing cheer it as it goes.