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.
