What will you do, love, when I am going
With white sails flowing, the seas beyond?
What will you do, love, when waves divide us
And friends may chide us for being fond?

Though waves divide us, and friends be chiding
In faith abiding I'll still be true
And I'll pray for you on the stormy ocean
In deep devotion, that's what I'll do

What would you do, love, if distant tidings
Your fond confidings should undermine?
And I, abiding 'neath sultry skies
Should think other eyes were as bright as thine?

Oh say it not, though guilt and shame
Were on your name, I would still be true
But that heart of yours, should another share it
I could not bear it, what would I do?

What would you do, love, when home returning
With hopes high burning, with wealth for you
If my barque which bounded o'er the foreign foam
Should be lost near home? What would you do?

So you were spared, I'd bless the morrow
In want and sorrow, that left me you
And I'd welcome you from the wasting billow
My heart, your pillow, that's what I'll do!