Bright, ocean home, the beautiful!
Fair are thy vales and bowers;
Joyous thy glow of morning light,
Solemn thy ev'ning hours.
And proudly rise the graceful homes
Along thy golden shores,
Where the dark spoiler's war-song sung
In stormy days of yore.
But those stern scenes of strife and crime
Have pass'ed from earth and thee;
And gentle peace thine advent hailed,
Fair watcher by the sea.
Sweet peace that now o'er land and wave
We trust may linger long -
Peace and goodwill like that foretold
In Bethlem's angel song.
Fair art thous as cities old
Raised by the Geniis power,
Of which loved lips strange stories told
In childhood's dreamy hour.
No wonder that from fashion's toils
Its weary notaries flee
Forgetting pomp, to dwell awhile
With summer and with thee.
Bright scenes! how had I loved you on
Ere came chilled heart and brow;
If sad I hailed your presence first,
Sadder I leave you now
Yet still for thee in heart of mine
Fond memories shall be;
And blessing fall on thee and thine,
St. Leonards-on-the-sea!
