To Thomas Moore
My Boat Is On The Shore
To Thomas Moore - fact Summary
Personal Dedication to Moore
This short poem is a personal dedication in which Byron toasts his friend Thomas Moore. Using voyage and well imagery, the speaker combines convivial drinking-language with steadfast affection, offering good wishes to friends and even to enemies, and affirming courage in adversity. The closing libation unites symbolic water and wine to wish peace between them and to mark the bond as a calm, loyal farewell or send-off.
Read Complete AnalysesI. My boat is on the shore, And my bark is on the sea; But before I go, Tom Moore, Here’s a double health to thee! II. Here’s a sigh to those who love me, And a smile to those who hate; And, whatever sky’s above me, Here’s a heart for every fate. III. Though the ocean roar around me, Yet it still shall bear me on; Though a desert should surround me, It hath springs that may be won. IV. Were’t the last drop in the well, As I gasp’d upon the brink, Ere my fainting spirit fell ‘Tis to thee that I would drink. V. With that water, as this wine, The libation I would pour Should be – peace with thine and mine, And a health to thee, Tom Moore.
July 1817.
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