  The clouds are scudding across the moon; A misty light is on the sea; The wind in the shrouds has a wintry tune, And the foam is flying free. Brothers, a night of terror and gloom Speaks in the cloud and gathering roar: Thank God, He has given us broad sea-room, A thousand miles from shore. Down with the hatches on those who sleep! The wild and whistling deck have we; Good watch, my brothers, to-night we’ll keep, While the tempest is on the sea! Though the rigging shriek in his terrible grip, And the naked spars be snapped away, Lashed to the helm, we’ll drive our ship In the teeth of the whelming spray! Hark! how the surges o’erleap the deck! Hark! how the pitiless tempest raves! Ah, daylight will look upon many a wreck, Drifting over the desert waves. Yet, courage, brothers! we trust the wave, With God above us, our guiding chart: So, whether to harbor or ocean grave, Be it still with a cheery heart. —Bayard Taylor. I am glad a task to me is given, To labor at day by day; For it brings me health and strength and hope, And I cheerfully learn to say: “Head, you may think; Heart, you may feel; But Hand, you shall work alway.” Ruysdael Marine View |
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