  Ho! breakers on the weather bow, And hissing white the sea; Go, loose the topsail, mariner, And set the helm a-lee; And set the helm a-lee, my boys, And shift her while ye may; Or not a living soul on board Will view the light of day! Aloft the seaman daringly Shook out the rattling sail; The danger fled—she leapt a-head Like wild stag through the gale; Like wild stag through the gale, my boys, All panting as in fear, And trembling as her spirit knew Destruction in the rear! Now slacken speed—take wary heed— All hands haul home the sheet; To Him who saves, amidst the waves, Let each their prayer repeat; Let each their prayer repeat, my boys, For but a moment’s gain Lay ’tween our breath and instant death, Within that howling main. |
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