How many a lonely caravan
A. Woodforde-Finden
How many a lonely caravan sets out
On its long journey o'er the desert, Doubt,
Yet comes back home laden with ivory,
With gold, and gums, and scarfs from oversea.
So went my lonely heart forth on its quest;
Through torrid wastes and parchèd ways it pressed.
Empty and sad it left the city gate,
But came back with your precious love for freight!